“We’re still here in the centre hoping for a resolution soon”
Mary Dennehy
AS THE Echo was going to print on Wednesday, the staff of the Brookfield Youth and Community Centre were bedding down for their sixth night in the community facility that ceased trading last Friday.
Staff at the centre have been staging a sit-in protest since last Friday, September 29, when they were issued with notice of immediate redundancy by the Chairman of Brookfield Youth and Community Centre Limited – the company which managed and staffed the council-owned centre.
Following the closure of the centre, members of the Brookfield community have come out to support workers while cross-party politicians are also visiting the centre to show their support for staff and for the community – which has been left without vital services.
Speaking with The Echo from the centre on Wednesday evening, staff member Kieran Walsh said: “We’re still here in the centre and are hoping for a resolution soon.
“The council and the unions are talking and trying to resolve the issue.
“It’s such a shame that things are like this for both the staff and the community.”
With one of the youngest populations across Tallaght, Brookfield has been for the past six days without its community centre – which is home to a diverse range of activities that cater to more than 1,000 children.
According to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone: “Alternative venues for services aimed at young people in the Brookfield area are being identified as efforts continue to find a solution which will allow the re-opening of the local centre.
“Making sure that young people can continue to access clubs, activities and services is a top priority following the closure of the local centre.”
She added: “In addition, work is also going on to facilitate the re-opening of the Youth and Community Centre. Officials from my own office are engaged with both the council and the Training Board to achieve this goal.
“We are not aware that the centres closure was the result in any shortfall in funding and my Department did not receive any requests for additional investment or support.”
The Echo understands that the council has written to the company directors and employer of the staff in relation to finding a resolution to the matter.
In a statement to The Echo, the council said: “As owner of the facility, the council, while having no involvement or responsibility in respect of the business affairs of the company, is anxious to secure first and foremost the physical structure of the building and ensure that the security of it and the status of it is maintained.
“In addition, South Dublin County Council is committed to ensuring that a proper community resource replaces the services previously provided by the company.”
Tallaght Central Solidarity councillor Kieran Mahon told The Echo: “We believe that the council should intervene, the council should do what is necessary to keep these people in jobs and get services back up and running.
“These workers have a combined 50 years of community experience, which is invaluable and should be used to get this vital community service re-opened.”
