Centres target young people at risk from crime and drugs

TWO facilities were opened yesterday in Cork and Waterford for young people at risk of drug use and crime.

More than €3 million is being pumped into the services, located in disadvantaged areas of Cork and Waterford cities.

Drugs Strategy Minister Pat Carey, attached to the Department of Community Affairs, officially opened both centres yesterday morning. Launching the Youth “Link Point” project in Knocknaheeny, Cork city, Mr Carey said it provided an integrated youth work service as part of the establishment of a Neighbourhood Leaning Centre in the heart of the local community.

He said the project aimed to develop and provide youth work services for vulnerable local young people. The cost includes €1.9m in capital funding and €550,000 in annual staff and running costs. The money is provided by the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF), which is part of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Mr Carey later opened a youth facility in Farronshoneen, in Waterford city. The junior minister said the aim of the Waterford youth service was to assist the personal, social, spiritual and educational development of young people, in particular those experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion.

He said that a substantial part of the funding for the facility, some €850,000, had come from the department through the YPFSF.

Mr Carey said the centre would provide great facilities and support services for young people in the area, thereby reducing the risks they face in regard to drugs and other problems.