The Courtown-Riverchapel can look forward to the New Year in anticipation of a number of community initiatives taking place that will enrich the health, social and sporting lives of the local population.
Developments are expected following from a consultation process in the locality, conducted under the auspices of Wexford County Council, which enquired into the needs of Courtown-Riverchapel and activated a plan of action.
The first piece of good news came last week when €50,000 funding was allocated to the Ferns Diocesan Youth Service (FDYS) for a new Courtown Café.
Local public representative, Cllr. Robbie Ireton, welcomed the news.
“I am delighted to see the FDYS project getting the funding,” said Cllr. Ireton, who added: “It is one of the many projects coming to the area in the near future.”
Fine Gael Senator for Wexford, Michael D’Arcy, has welcomed the announcement.
“This is fantastic news for the Courtown-Riverchapel area and will allow for the construction of a very valuable amenity for local young people.
“This project will provide significant benefit for the local community.
“I am pleased that we have been able to secure funding for the youth café. There has been great commitment and work from the local community and I am delighted with this really positive outcome.”
Sen. D’Arcy said there is a severe lack of services for young people in the area, and he feels this is a really positive step in addressing the matter.
Government Chief Whip and Minister of State, Paul Kehoe T.D. welcomed the FDYS funding which comes from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Deputy Kehoe said: “I’m delighted that Minister Frances Fitzgerald T.D., has made this commitment to FDYS and the young people of the Courtown-Riverchapel area.”
The Enniscorthy-based deputy said that Kieran Donohue, CEO of FDYS, made him aware of this project last year and he highlighted its importance to Minister Fitzgerald in an effort to ensure that funding was made available.
“The population of the Courtown-Riverchapel has grown enormously over the past decade as a result of the building boom.
“This is a much needed amenity to support the population in the area, so it is vital that funding is made available to develop a project like this.
“I want to compliment FDYS on their continuing work, as they are excellent asset to County Wexford and their youth projects in Gorey, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford town provide vital support to the teenagers and young people in our county who need it most.”
Kieran Donohue welcomed the “much needed facility for the young people and parents of the Courtown-Riverchapel area” and believes it will further strengthen the FDYS commitment to the Gorey area.
“This project came about as a result of a community needs assessment that was carried out with young people, the community and state services,” said Mr Donohue, who added: “It will involve us working closely with FDYS, the Gardaí and the HSE.”
Schemes that FDYS will operate from the new space will include the Community Youth Work Project, Youth Club, Drugs Outreach Work and the Community Based Drugs Initiative.
This story and more in this week’s edition of THE GOREY ECHO.
