FIANNA Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery has welcomed a reprieve for a youth facility on the Southside of Limerick City as they await word on a €11 million state-of-the-art sports complex in the area.
The City East representative asked at last week’s Metropolitan District meeting for an update on The Factory Youthspace in Galvone in relation to them staying in their current premises until a suitable home is found.
Cllr Slattery last year asked the local authority to purchase the building across from VPK Packaging in the Galvone Industrial Estate to house the youth space so it can continue its work in the area.
The Factory, which is used by 49 different sporting groups, was due to close its doors at the end of December 2019. However, at the eleventh hour, Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) confirmed it would stay open for at least two years, until alternative sporting facilities are made available on the Southside of Limerick.
“Since 2018 I have been behind keeping The Factory Youthspace open since the workers contacted me to make me aware of its closure,” Cllr Slattery told the Limerick Post after last week’s meeting.
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“Limerick City Council sold the building that homes The Factory Youthspace to VPK so they can expand their business and give local people the opportunity of jobs.”
The Fianna Fáil woman criticised the Council for not stopping to consider where The Factory Youthspace would be housed when they sold this building before her time as as local representative.
“The Council have had many years to find a home for this vital Youthspace but to date, still nothing.
“The Factory Youthspace is a wonderful facility and most weekends it is packed with youths from all over Limerick doing indoor sports. During the week groups all over Limerick also use the space and we need to keep this facility open.
“Obviously it cannot be housed in Galvone any longer and I want to commend VPK for their patience and understanding. They have been brilliant,” she insisted.
Council members were told at the recent Metropolitan District meeting that discussions have been ongoing in relation to extending the current arrangement with the owners of the VPK premises.
“An agreement has been reached in relation with VPK to extend the licence until August 2026. The property unit of the Council and VPK will review the licence agreement in December 2025,” said Fiona McCormack of the Council’s Regeneration, Sports and Recreation Directorate.
Cllr Slattery revealed that she has since been advised that an €11 million state-of the-art sports facility is on the cards for the Old St Enda’s building.
“I am hopeful after discussions that this facility will be made available for all to use. Myself and Mayor John Moran met with VPK late in 2024 and asked if there was a possibility that they would allow The Factory Youthspace remain in the building for another extension and in fairness they have repeatedly been asked this question since they purchased the building.
“Limerick Council have had so many years to find an alternative home for Youthspace and not a sod of earth has been turned on the ‘state-of-the art facility’ at St Enda’s. I am very worried that when we again reach August 2026 I again will have a fight on my hands,” she concluded.
