Youth training centre to close

A TRAINING centre for young people in Southill is to close.

The Southside Community Training Centre was opened 23 years ago and caters for about 50 trainees in their teens and early 20s.

The centre is funded by Fás and run by a voluntary board.

It is understood that the decision to close the centre follows on an independent report.

There are six staff members employed at the centre.

It is believed that Fás is now working on getting placements for the trainees in other courses.

As well teaching trades such as carpentry, the centre also provided a soccer academy.

Former mayor of Limerick, Cllr Ger Fahy said a number of concerned parents had contacted him.

Mr Fahy said: “This centre over the years has proven a great outlet for children from the Southill area, some of whom would have left school at an early age.

“The centre gave them the opportunity to train and acquire skills and take part in the soccer academy.

“They also used facilities at the University of Limerick and the centre has proven an outlet for children from the southside of the city to develop their talents and keep away from getting drawn into anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“The centre proved that if given the opportunity and facilities, they were prepared to respond and show their talents. Many of the children who went to the training centre proved very successful in later years.”

Mr Fahy said he hoped that what will be put in place for the trainees by Fás will fill the void which will be created by the centre’s closure.