ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE WINS AWARD

Art, drama, aerobics and games all help young people overcome addiction at
an award winning treatment centre.

And the work of the Aislinn Adolescent Treatment Centre was recognised at
the AIB Better Ireland awards on Saturday, where it was honoured with the
top award.

The Kilkenny centre offers a six week residential programme for young
people between the ages of 15 and 21.

Their project, Saol Nua (New Life) also took top honours in the youth
category. With the pounds 50,000 prize money, the centre hopes to set up
more aftercare facilities.

The six week programme aims to help adolescents recover from chemical
addiction and to return to their community. The art, drama and other
therapies help build the self esteem and confidence of the young people so
they can make more positive life choices.

The awards, sponsored by AIB, were broadcast on RTE from three different
locations - Dublin, Limerick and Belfast.

Singer Brian Kennedy entertained guests at the Dublin's AIB Bank centre,
while Michael O'Suilleabhain provided the music at the Limerick Racecourse
in Patrickswell. Chart topping Juliet Turner performed at the Waterfront
Hall in Belfast

President Mary McAleese, who presented the award to the Aislinn centre,
said the awards reflected the immense enthusiasm and commitment to
community development in Ireland today.

"Such initiatives highlight the dedication of individuals throughout
Ireland who are willing to give so generously of their time in the
interests of creating a better Ireland,'' she said.

"To those who have been or are addicts, Aislinn has given the precious
opportunity and support needed to change their own futures, to claim back
control over their lives and to establish their own self worth."

In addition to the main award, there were three other category winners,
each receiving a total of pounds 20,000.

All 24 finalists won pounds 5,000 as a recognition award. AIB chief
executive designate Michael Buckley presented Cork's Northside Community
Enterprises Ltd with their prize of pounds 20,000 at the new Limerick
Racecourse.

The prize was awarded for their Outreach project, which strives to provide
an integrated approach to people with social problems.

It also assists homeless people, ex offenders, recovering drug addicts and
others to develop personal and employment skills. The Arts/Communications
category went to The Clare Music Makers Parent's Association for their
Summer Music on the Shannon course.

The project promotes and develops the potential of the Shannon Region as a
destination for musicians, students and tourists interested in music.