Alternative venues for services aimed at young people in the Brookfield area are being identified as efforts continue to find a solution which will allow the re-opening of the local Youth and Community Centre, according to Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone. Minister Zappone has confirmed that her office is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the local Education and Training Board to keep activities for more than 1,000 children going. The services are funded through the Minister’s Department.
Minister Zappone added: “Making sure that young people can continue to access clubs, activities and services is a top priority following the closure of the local centre. My Department is actively working with others to secure alternative temporary venues so that workers from Fóroige and the Education and Training Board can continue their work with local young people. The staff from these organisations were not involved in the events which led to the closure of the centre. In addition work is also going on to facilitate the re-opening of the Youth and Community Centre. Officials from my own office are engaged with both the Council and the Training Board to achieve this goal.
We are not aware that the centres closure was the result in any shortfall in funding and my Department did not receive any requests for additional investment or support. As a local TD and Minister for Children I remain committed to delivering services to our young people in their local areas. I urge all to work closely to ensure a resolution to the current dispute and a return of youth services to their rightful home in the Brookfield Centre.”
