Training the next generation a 'no-brainer' for housing says Independent MEP

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has said that meaningful progress on Ireland’s housing crisis will require greater investment in both new homes and in the young people who will build them.

The latest Safe Pass training initiative for Transition Year students in Longford follows ongoing engagement between Mr Mullooly, local schools and the ReSHAPE team at Technological University of the Shannon, after funding opportunities under the EU Just Transition Fund were identified for education and skills development. Discussions focused on how the funding could be used in a practical way to support young people considering apprenticeships and careers in construction.

Read more: Solar farm plans lodged for a Longford village

Speaking this week, the Midlands MEP and EU Housing Committee Vice Chair said:

“If we are ever going to be able to tackle the housing crisis in this country, we need more investment in building new homes and getting more apprentices into the construction sector.”

He described the use of European Commission Just Transition funding to support early-stage apprenticeship training as an obvious and practical step.

“Using money from the European Commission’s Just Transition Funds to help train up young people in the early stages of an apprenticeship is a no brainer. It’s exactly the type of practical investment that delivers long-term benefits.”

This week, Transition Year students from St Mel's College, associated with St Mel’s Cathedral Parish in Longford, completed their Safe Pass training and received their official certification cards. The qualification allows them to progress to building site training and seek appropriate work experience in the construction sector.

Mr Mullooly noted that many young people across the Midlands, including Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Galway, traditionally relied on Bord na Móna for summer employment and early work opportunities.

“For generations, many young people in our region depended on Bord na Móna for summer jobs and beyond. As our region transitions economically, we have to ensure that new pathways are opened up. Construction and apprenticeships are a key part of that future.”

He thanked those involved in coordinating the initiative:

“My sincere thanks to Brid Gordon, who runs our constituency office and works directly with the schools and TUS Midlands to help set up this training.”

“Special thanks also to Pobal and EMRA for facilitating the students’ training under the ReSHAPE programme. This is how European funding should work- practical, accessible and directly benefiting young people.”

Read more: "No confidence in Bord Bia's Larry," says Longford IFA chair, John Sheridan

Mr Mullooly confirmed that further schools will be brought into the programme as funding allows.

“We will bring as many students and schools into the programme as possible in the coming weeks as funds become available.

"If we are serious about solving housing, we must be equally serious about training the next generation of skilled workers.”

He concluded by congratulating the students on completing their certification and wishing them every success as they explore apprenticeships and careers in construction.