Have you got a problem and are unsure where to go for help? Your local Citizens’ Information centre provides free information on all your civil rights, entitlements and social welfare allowances.

Maybe you’ve never heard of them, but with a new centre which opened in Milltown on 21st February to complement the existing network of centres in Rathmines, Aungier Street and St Vincent’s Hospital, popping in to ask a question has never been easier.

Liz Carroll, Development Management for Citizens Information centres located in the Dublin 2, 4 and 6 areas, says having an additional facility in Milltown will help ease increasing pressure on the other centres in the area.

“Demand for information is growing. After all, information is a tool but finding the right bit is often the hardest part and that’s where we come in,” said Liz Carroll.

“Many people are still unaware of their basic rights and entitlements on a range of State services, such as social welfare, medical cards and employment benefits. By widening the network of centres we’re able to meet this increasing demand for information and help citizens improve their situations and build better lives.”

Citizens Information, which is funded by the State agency Comhairle, received in the region of two million queries last year alone through its nationwide information centres, telephone service (1890 777 121) and website (www.citizeninformation.ie). The service is free, confidential and independent.

While the majority of queries handled relate to employment rights and social welfare allowances, trained information providers also advise on everything from housing and education, to having a baby, coping with illness and accessing support for persons with disabilities.

And that’s not all. Staff and volunteers assist in filling out forms and will follow up on an enquiry or an appeal, if necessary, through their advocacy service.

“Unfortunately, though, there are occasions when all we can do is listen,” said Liz Carroll. “But then sometimes being heard is all a person needs when facing a difficult situation, in order to know what to do next.”

To contact your nearest Citizens’ Information Centre write, drop in or telephone any one of the following:

Rathmines CIC: 11 Wynnefield Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6
Telephone: 496 5558 / 498 2999

Milltown CIC: Milltown Parish Centre, Milltown Road, Dublin 6, Telephone: 219 6740

Carmelite CIC: 56 Aungier Street, Dublin 2 (Located beide Whitefriar Street Church) Telephone: 400 5971

St Vincent’s Hospital: Merrion Road, Dublin 4 (Located in the main corridor, beside coffee shop) Telephone: 405 3760

As opening times vary it’s a good idea to phone and check first.

Citizens information is also available by telephoning the Citizens’ Information Phone Service on 1890 777 121 (Locall) and online at www.citizeninformation.ie