Over 1,200 enjoyed the Youth Project summer

IT’S BEEN a busy summer for Ballyfermot Youth Project (BYS) with up to 1,200 young people participating with the service over the past 10 weeks, particularly on local projects, youth exchanges and European solidarity projects.

The service has facilities on Decies Road and Gurteen Road as well as looking after the skateboard park in Ballyfermot and the activity centre at the 7th Lock along the canal in Park West.

Up to 900 people used the adventure facility on the canal, with water sports the main activity and particularly kayaking.

“Its been a hectic summer for everyone involved with the youth project this year. Once restrictions were lifted it really took off and young people in the community took full advantage,” said Ballyfermot Youth Project manager Gerry McCarthy.

“We cater for young people in the Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard area and the response from the community has been fantastic this year.”

The group also had six international exchanges with 78 young people from the project between 14-18 years old taking part in the Erasmus 4 All Project.

One group travelled to Italy, while another group left Ballyfermot on Monday for Poland.

Ballyfermot Project also hosted two groups from Spain and Italy, while 10 volunteers from Malta will arrive next week and stay for a month.

“The exchange programmes have been very successful and its great getting away while also hosting groups from abroad,” said Gerry.

The group received funding this year of €500,000 from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs UBU Your Space, Your Place and Ballyfermot Youth Project has certainly taking full advantage of the money.