Community groups in Knocknacarra have until March 13 to submit proposals on how the Knocknacarra Community Centre should be managed, and a local councillor is appealing to the public to get involved.
The call is being made by Independent city councillor Catherine Connolly and follows City Hall’s decision to re-advertise and invite groups to come forward with proposals.
Last year councillors rejected a proposal by City Hall officials to privatise the operation of the centre, but there have also been unsuccessful attempts to devise a working formula to allow the community to operate the facility.
As a result Cllr Connolly says it is important that the public be proactive and ensure its voice and views are heard.
“After a 20 year battle, seven city managers and/or acting city managers, three local elections, and four different proposals in relation to its site,” she said, “the community centre is now open. Knocknacarra has waited too long and put in too much effort to see their centre operated by a private for profit entity.”
She is also calling on the council management to work with “whatever community group is successful” to ensure the expertise required and the necessary financial subvention from the city council is available.
