Date: 25/07/2025
A few words from our CEO Stephen Douthart...
"Following yesterday’s very special occasion, I’m delighted to finally say the words: The Taoiseach has visited Middletown.
He didn’t just visit -he stayed 45 minutes longer than planned, such was his engagement with your work, and our services users' positive stories.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who kindly supported the visit- from those presenting and hosting, to those creating slides and handouts, to the unsung heroes handling last-minute cleaning and setup. But this visit wasn’t just about tea and warm words. I was genuinely encouraged by how well-informed the Taoiseach already was about our work. He spoke publicly about his support for the Centre and his desire to help us grow our impact, including resolving long-standing barriers through the Taoiseach Office Shared Island Fund.
In a private meeting with myself and the Board members in attendance, he gave clear direction to the Department of Education to begin formal proposals. I’ve been asked to coordinate this work and will be engaging with many of you to shape our next chapter. You should all know: you are the reason Middletown is so successful. Your work changes lives. Yesterday, the Taoiseach heard it first-hand.
I’ve been told he spoke about Middletown positively on RTÉ and Newstalk this morning, and again last night at his second engagement in the Navan Centre, where he repeatedly referenced the Centre and its remarkable impact.
The fact that so many of you gave your time, and were also able to get schools to attend during holidays and at short notice, speaks volumes about the commitment, trust, and reputation you have built over 18 years, right across this island."