GO-AHEAD FOR YOUTHREACH

GOREY IS TO FINALLY get a Youthreach facility which will provide education, training and work experience programme for early school leavers aged 15 to 20.

The plan is welcomed by Cllr. Malcolm Byrne, pictured right, who has long campaigned for the initiative and it is hoped that the facility will be in place in the town before the end of the year.

The programme will be operated by Wexford Waterford Education and Training Board ( WWETB) and they are currently recruiting a co-ordinator.

Youthreach offers young people the opportunity to identify options within adult life, and provides them with opportunities to acquire certification.

Cllr Byrne said: ‘ This will be a great advantage for North Wexford, particularly for those for whom the mainstream second level school model does not suit. At present, those who want to avail of Youthreach have to travel, to Arklow and other locations. It will be hugely advantageous to have the facility on our doorstep. ‘It is essential that we provide as many young people as possible with a range of skills that will help them find employment but also in the transition to adulthood. For too long, Gorey, with a growing youth population, hasn’t had a Youthreach centre.’ It is hoped that final discussions on a premises will soon conclude so that this much needed facility is available for the coming academic year. There are already Youthreach facilities in Wexford, Enniscorthy and New Ross.