Councillors offer support to Family Resource Centre in bid to secure new premises

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The issue of securing a purpose built facility for the Sligo Family Resource Centre was raised at the November meeting of Sligo County Council.

In his motion, Cllr Donal Gilroy proposed that the local authority write to the FRC centre manager and chairperson with a view to assisting the organisation to expand and find a purpose built location similar to the recently opened FRC centre in Tubbercurry.

Cllr Gilroy noted, “It is not the Council’s job to provide premises,” but stressed, “They are going to need a lot of funding.”

Cllr Gilroy stated that sometimes the Council is offered property and if they become aware of something suitable it could be put to the FRC.

Cllr Gilroy complimented the Family Resource Centre on the service they provide saying they help with child minding, care of the elderly and family supports.

"They provide that resource and do excellent work,” he noted.

Cllr Arthur Gibbons supported the motion before the Council saying, “The work they do speaks for itself. The input they have within the community is vital. I wish them the best of luck finding a new premises.”

Cllr Thomas Walsh also gave his backing to the motion when he said, “There is a wonderful team of staff on The Mall but it is not accessible for people with mobility issues. They haven’t the space they need.

"Funding is available but they need a premises, they need to expand to meet the needs of the community.”

Cllr Ann Higgins noted there is funding available through the ‘Building Blocks’ scheme commenting, “It is up to all of us to unblock it.”