Importance of Canal House in Mayo stressed as a much needed facilitiy that ‘pulls young people away from their phones’
The opening of the Canal House Youth Facility in Belmullet took place last month, and the landmark project has been widely commended for its potential to bring young people together in a safe, shared space away from mobile phones.
“We never in our lives have needed more [facilities] like this for our young people to get them away from this thing,” said Cllr Gerry Coyle as he pointed to his mobile phone and welcomed the new facility.
Canal House was built on the back of a 2018 study carried out by the Erris Interagency Working Group, which examined local views on services and supports for different age groups living in the Erris region.
The study highlighted a number of recurring themes, including the need for greater mental health supports, as well as barriers such as distance from essential services and limited access to broadband.
Respondents to the study highlighted the need for expanded mental health supports, after-school services, homework clubs, non-sporting activities for teenagers, and more places where young people could socialise and spend time together.
The opening of Canal House has delivered that much-needed space for young people in the Erris region.
The building has been brought out of semi-dereliction and transformed into a state-of-the-art facility, providing an indoor space where young people can gather safely, meet friends, and engage in activities in a supportive environment.
Welcoming the opening of the facility at a January meeting of the Westport and Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Coyle highlighted the growing importance of youth facilities in helping young people step away from their mobile phones.
“When I was at school, there was a bit of bullying going on at that time too, but you went home in the evening. Now the bully goes home with you in your pocket,
“The bully is with you at the weekend, the bully is with you on Sunday, when you’re on holidays - but that’s the bully now,” he said as he once again pointed to his phone.
“It has never been more important for young people to have these facilities where they can go in, share their views. Not everyone is an athlete, not everyone will play football for Mayo, they won’t all be playing hurling or boxing. There are so many other skills they have,” he said.
Cllr Coyle, who is from Geesala in the Erris region, also paid tribute to the collective effort that brought the Canal House project to fruition.
“The talk on that day below was people working together that got it delivered. It was an absolute credit to everybody,” he said.
The redevelopment of the building was made possible through €500,000 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2022.
Mayo County Council worked in partnership with the Erris Chamber of Commerce, Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), and Foróige to deliver the project.
“For a while it was like running a marathon without knowing where the end line was,” Cllr Coyle said, “but the other day, at the end line, led by our Cathoirleach Sean, and all the people involved, ETB, Mayo County Council - everybody being there showing what the old meitheal scheme used to be, everyone working together”.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey, also spoke at the opening of the facility, highlighting its significance for the region.
“Being a son of Erris myself makes days like this even more special – as we are opening something that is much more than just bricks and mortar.
“The Canal House Community Youth Facility will play a significant role in improving the lives of our young people, giving them a safe space to congregate, socialise, learn, and access appropriate youth services in their local area is a game-changer, for not only them but their families.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.