Deputy Connolly said she is very concerned with the news that a youth reach centre in Conamara is in danger of closure.
Deputy Connolly said that this centre, Teaghmháil na nÓg, in Tír an Fhia, Ceantar na nOileán, Co. Galway is a centre that caters for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18. It has been operating in the Gaeltacht since 1991, providing an essential training and education service for young people who have been let down by the mainstream education system.
Deputy Connolly said that over 400 young people have availed of and benefitted from the service over the years, with the majority leaving with an essential qualification including in hairdressing, mechanics, plumbing and as electricians.
Moreover, this is a centre that is located in the heart of the Gaeltacht, serving a large hinterland including Carna, Kilkieran, Rosmuc, Carraroe, Rosamhíl and Ceantar na nOileán. It is the only such service in the Conamara Gaeltacht operating through Irish. To contemplate closing such a service in an area which really needs it, and an area which has already been badly hit by lack of employment and loss of population, is mindboggling.
In this regard, Deputy Connolly has sought an urgent meeting with the CEO of the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board.
