Future of Cork Life Centre at risk, says director Don O'Leary

Two months after €100k fundding boost talks break down over 'redline' staff retention issue

Don O'Leary at the Cork Life Centre, Winters Hill, Cork which offers an alternative learning experience to young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks of mainstream education. Picture: Dan Linehan

Two months after Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced €100,000 in additional funding to the Cork Life Centre and the allocation of 12 new teaching posts, the centre’s director is warning its future is at risk. Talks with the Department of Education have broken down over 'redline issue' of staff retention, and director Don O'Leary fears the northside centre may be forced to close.

The Life Centre, which offers an alternative learning experience to young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks of mainstream education, said the department was planning on allocating 12 staff to the Cork Education and Training Board (CETB), and the CETB would then transfer staff to the Life Centre.  Mr O’Leary said this would lead to the loss of the centre’s own staff and that to accept the department’s offer could ultimately result in the centre closing. The centre currently has 55 students.