Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady and Bray Sinn Féin Councillor, John Ward have called for urgent intervention to address the ongoing challenges facing Ballywaltrim Community Centre and Wolfe Tone Community Centre in Bray, following the loss of Community Employment (CE) workers.
They highlighted that the centres are essential community facilities and warned that the loss of CE workers is placing significant pressure on the operation of the centres and the organisations, clubs, children and families who depend on them.
Teachta Brady said:
“News of this situation is deeply concerning and is having a very real impact on our communities.
“The Department of Social Protection confirmed that Cuala Developments, which operated a Community Employment programme in Bray, has ceased operating as a sponsor and, as a result, 23 CE participants and one supervisor have been affected, with workers being informed at very short notice that their placements were coming to an end.
“These workers played a vital role in the day-to-day operation of the community centres. Their loss has placed significant pressure on the centres and on the volunteers and organisations working to keep these facilities operating.
“I understand Ballywaltrim Community Centre will be closing its doors from Monday, while volunteers are currently keeping Wolfe Tone Community Centre open.
“It is important to be clear that the childcare and youth facilities based in Ballywaltrim will remain open, but other operations will cease as a result of a lack of CE workers.
“This is a significant blow as Ballywaltrim Community Centre is a particularly important facility for the local community, providing a home for a wide range of activities, including Irish dancing for more than 60 children, as well as numerous other events and community services.
“Ballywaltrim, as well as Wolfe Tone are vital meeting places for children, families and community groups across Bray.
“These are community assets that local people rely on every day.
“I am currently working with local representatives, community organisations and other stakeholders to find a solution and ensure that these facilities can continue to serve the community.
“There also needs to be urgent Government intervention to explore every possible option to restore the staffing, management and supports required.
“The loss of the CE programme cannot be allowed to result in the long-term loss of community facilities. We need a sustainable solution that gives these centres the stability and support they need to continue serving the people of Bray.”
Bray Sinn Féin Councillor John Ward added:
“The loss of CE staff has exposed the vulnerability of the current arrangements, particularly when there is no full-time manager in place and a significant level of staff turnover as a result of short-term CE contracts.
“We need all of the relevant agencies and stakeholders to come together urgently and work towards a sustainable staffing and management solution.
“Ballywaltrim Community Centre and Wolfe Tone Community Centre must remain open, and they need the appropriate support to ensure that they can operate properly and continue to provide the services that local people depend on.
“These centres provide spaces for children, young people, families, sports clubs and community organisations, and the demand for these facilities remains strong.
“John Brady and I are working with others locally to find a way forward, and we will continue to push for the support needed to protect these important community assets.”
ENDS