Minister Foley recognises ‘need’ for family resource centre in Longford

The pitch for a Family Resource Centre was described as being 'fantastic' by the Minister for Children, Disabilty and Equality, Norma Foley who acknowledged the 'need for it' during a visit to Longford town last week.

Minister Foley met representatives from community groups and local Oireachtas members and politicians during her visit to the Attic House in Longford town last Thursday, the proposed building for the new family resource centre.

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The Fianna Fáil representative said official confirmation on funding for an additional ten family resource centres would be made over the 'next short while' and the Longford Leader understands an announcement is expected during the next week.

Asked about Longford having one of the highest concentrations of social housing per capita in Ireland, Minister Foley said she understood the challenges.

"I don't deny the great work that happens here, the need for it, I have to say there is an open competition across the country but there is terrific work being done and it's meeting a demand that is here and I wish everybody well with their applications."

The Longford family resource centre (FRC) steering committee, chaired by Veronica Brennan, along with other agencies, has put together a comprehensive application.

Minister Foley praised the work and a presentation made to her on the need for a Longford town FRC.

"It was a fantastic pitch and I want to say it's been a privilege to see first hand the great variety of work that happens here and the dedication to young people, in particular and to the wider local community."

Longford Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy said early last week, prior to Minister Foley's visit that he was '100% confident' Longford town would soon be announced as being one of the 10 selected locations.

However, Minister Foley made no announcement and she did not give any confirmation that Longford was set to be successful and instead she indicated Longford was firmly in the mix for the amenity.

"It's an independent process, but I hope in the coming weeks, we'll be in a position to make announcements, so it's sooner rather than later," she added.

Minister Foley commented on the 'great richness and variety' to the community work in Longford town and at the Attic House.

"I think the history of what has been achieved here is important too, it's beginnings in the Temperance hall, moving on to this location, but all of it is quite remarkable.

"The purchasing in the first instance of the building here by community so they have very much continued that ethos of community for community and by community so it's really impressive."

A needs assessment report published last July in The Attic House on the Ballinalee Road outlined Longford town had one of the highest levels of deprivation in the country with 34.6% of residents born overseas, 6% identifying as members of the Traveller community and over 24% of residents living with a disability.

The report found that Longford town faces a multitude of complex issues, including gaps in services for kids, teenagers, families, retirees, as well as people with disabilities, Travellers, asylum seekers and refugees.

Minister Foley referred to the Family Resource Centre programme and she said in the "previous budget negotiated by the previous minister" there was an allocation of five family resource centres, but she negotiated a budget to deliver a further 10.

Deputy Carrigy said they had prepared a strong needs assessment report and application for an FRC.

"I'm very disappointed they didn't make the announcement today [Longford will receive funding for one].

"We all know and I've said it quite clearly before that we'd be confident we'll be successful."

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Deputy Carrigy said they have a site but there will need to soon be a focus on putting relevant people in place who are preparing 'to put in the works, set up the company and get all that work ongoing' for a Longford town FRC.

"From that point of view I'm disappointed, but I want to pay a special tribute to our chair Veronica [Brennan] and everyone involved in the steering committee group and I hope that announcement is made in the coming days and let us get on with the work we need to do."

Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty said Minister Foley was well aware of the need for a Longford town FRC but she wanted to come and 'see it for herself'.

"I think it was important that she saw it and it's important that she saw the need that there is in Longford.

"Obviously, the stats speak and say that there is a need for it, but then the fact is she needed to see that the community were ready and willing and have the capacity to take this project forward.

"I think she is suitably impressed so I think it's going to have a positive outcome for Longford.

"The Family Resource Centre is the gateway to community, it doesn't reflect everything, but obviously the emphasis is very much on mental health and disadvantage and education and that is very much the thrust of the proposal that was put in."

Veronica Brennan, the chair of the steering committee who works in a voluntary capacity, described it as a 'passionate project'.

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"It is a lovely spot to be in, I like the development of new services and they are a great steering committee to be the chairperson of.”

Ms Brennan said she is very happy to be in the role and to welcome Minister Foley.

“It was a great opportunity on our behalf and on behalf of the Longford community to be able to have the Minister here and visit the site where we hope an FRC will be.

"It's a prime location, it's a wonderful spot and to then have the opportunity to tell her why we need it and to petition her was great."