by Alan Jacques
THE decision to keep open The Factory Youth Space at its site in Galvone Industrial Estate has come as an early Christmas present to staff and volunteers, as well as the young people who use the facility.
It had been expected that the sale of the building to a private entity would result in it being unavailable for youth and community activities, but a deal facilitated by Limerick City and County Council has resulted in the Limerick Youth Service (LYS) agreeing to extend its management of the facility for an additional three years.
It means that the facilities at The Factory which include two multi-sport playing areas, dance studio, art space, café, meeting rooms and outdoor facilities will continue to be made available to youth and community groups across Limerick City and County.
Funding has been provided through the Regeneration Programme and other public funding sources to support services at the Factory which is located in the Galvone Business Park
LYS will continue to work with the relevant statutory and community organisations to develop appropriate youth and community facilities at alternative locations to ensure continuity of services after the agreement expires in 2024.
Welcoming the extension of its management brief, LYS paid tribute to the young people, community volunteers and staff for their support and commitment to The Factory Southside Youth Space since it opened its doors in 2010.
Fianna Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery said it was great news for the Southside that The Factory, which caters for up to 49 different sporting groups, will remain open at its current location for the next three years.
“It is a precious service and we need a youth space for our children and young people. I am never going to stand by and watch a facility like this be taken from the Southside of the city, it is too important,” the City East representative said.
When the closure was first mooted two years ago, Cllr Slattery organised a protest outside City Hall, which was cancelled at the eleventh hour as news filtered through that the Council had acceded to the request to keep it open.
“I have worked very hard on this matter and this is fantastic news for the workers and the people of the Southside but this should not have happened for a second time. But one thing I can tell you is that there will not be a third time and the Council and LYS need to work together to find a suitable premises within the Southside in the next three years. I will be requesting regular updates to ensure that this happens,” Cllr Slattery added.
In response, a spokesperson from the local authority said: “While The Factory Southside Youth Space has been sold to a private entity, Limerick City and County Council has facilitated an arrangement for Limerick Youth Service to remain in the facility until 2024.
“The Factory Southside Youth Space will continue to be an inclusive space for young people and the community with Limerick Youth Service continuing to develop youth programmes and initiatives.”
