Senator Maura Hopkins has urged the Roscommon Galway Education and Training Board to re-open the Phoenix Youth Centre in Ballaghaderreen “without delay”.
Commenting on the meeting held with Oireachtas Representatives and officials from Roscommon Galway Education and Training Board last Friday, Senator Maura Hopkins says “it is extremely positive that active negotiations are taking place to ensure that youth services across the region are re-commenced as soon as possible by a new service provider”.
Senator Hopkins went on to say that “officials from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs had informed me a number of weeks ago that full funding remains in place for youth services in Roscommon and North East Galway this year.”
David Healy, CEO Roscommon Galway Education and Training Board informed those in attendance at Friday’s meeting that “currently, the Roscommon Galway Education and Training Board with the Department are conducting a needs analysis of young people’s needs within this area. They are in the process of putting in place a replacement quality service. This service will be provided on an interim basis at first with plans for a permanent targeted service to be put in place later this year across Roscommon and North East Galway.” He also re-stated that “Youth Work Ireland Roscommon East Galway had lost the funding for delivery of these youth services because the governance structures were found to be not fit for purpose.”
Following the meeting Senator Hopkins said “the Phoenix Centre in Ballaghaderreen has been supporting a large number of individuals and local groups and organisations within the town and surrounding area for a long period of time. I made it extremely clear at the meeting that it is absolutely vital that this centre and others re-open as soon as possible. I want to ensure that the Phoenix Centre re-opens without delay, I am working very hard on this issue and I know that active negotiations are currently taking place to ensure this happens.”