Reports that Teagmháil na nÓg centre on Leitir Móir may close down have been described as “mindboggling” by Galway West TD Catherine Connolly.
The Independent TD said that she is seeking an urgent meeting with the CEO of the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board to discuss the future of the youth reach centre.
Teagmháil na nÓg was established in 1994 as part of GRETB’s youth services to provide skills training for people between 15-20 years old.
According to Deputy Connolly, since then it has trained more than 400 young people as mechanics, plumbers, hairdressers, and electricians.
“Providing an essential training and education service for young people who have been let down by the mainstream education system.”
Deputy Connolly said that the centre provides a unique service for the Gaelteacht and is warning that closing it would be terrible for the area.
“This is a centre that is located in the heart of the Gaelteacht, serving a large hinterland including Carna, Kilkieran, Rosmuc, Carraroe, RosamhÃl and Ceantar na nOileán. It is the only such service in the Connemara Gaelteacht operating through Irish.
“To contemplate closing such a service in an area which really needs it, and an area which has already been badly hit by lack of employment and loss of population, is mindboggling.”
