St Patrick's Gateway hits back over lack of community space
The interior of St Patrick's Gateway Centre.
St Patrick's Gateway Centre have released a statement in light of recent comments about community spaces in the Waterford city area.
The centre stated that, in spite of mounting financial constraints and lack of council funding, this historical site still serves the local community in the heart of the city.
The statement comes after a councillor made a suggestion for a community centre to be established in Ballybricken.
At a recent Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr Eamon Quinlan asked the Council Executive about the need for a communal space for the area encompassing The Glen and Ballybricken.
He said the space could serve as "a seven-day round community centre to allow for activities such as training, dancing and music lessons, shows, crafts, lectures, homework clubs, all the other things communities need to foster a sense of attachment to the area".
He added: "There is the now vacant building in the Glen after Aldi moved to City Square and then there is also the large building at the back of the Fairview. These have been identified by the local community as suitable locations with space, and are within walking distance of a large number of residents, as well as Mount Sion, De La Salle St Stephen's, Presentation and Mercy schools."
He suggested meeting with the property owners to discuss using the spaces.
Cllr Quinlan continued: "With the nearby apartments and schools, I think it is often underrepresented just how many people live in this wider area. So much so that some of these groups often come to me for help, when they find that places like St Brigid's or St Patrick’s Gateway are completely booked out for when they need them."
Senior Executive Claire Hartley responded: "I would consider St Brigid's Resource Centre to be a very well-established community facility in the Ballybricken area, that would have very well-established inter-generational project work with the people in the area as well.
"Before we look at the feasibility of a new centre, I'd certainly like to look at what the existing community facilities are."
St Patrick's Gateway responded online this week, stating: "Contrary to suggestions that Ballybricken lacks usable community space, we currently have capacity within our weekly schedule and would actively welcome support from councillors and public representatives in helping to connect community groups, services and initiatives with the facilities already available.
"Like many community and voluntary organisations, the centre is facing significant financial pressure due to sharply rising overheads, particularly energy costs. These challenges threaten the sustainability of existing community spaces at a time when demand for them is increasing."
The centre noted that while they do not receive any funding from Waterford City and Council Council, they are proud of their years' service to the community of Waterford City.
They stated: "We believe any discussion about the need for community facilities in Ballybricken should include meaningful engagement with and support for existing centres that are already serving the community. Protecting and strengthening what is in place must be a priority, alongside any longer-term planning."
