Community centres around Kilkenny city should be open and more accessible to communities, according to Fianna Fail election candidate Joe Malone.
Mr Malone would like to see community centres such as the state-of-the-art Happe House open throughout the day and into night so that the maximum amount of people can use the facilities provided.
“There are wonderful facilities provided in many of these community centres including computer resources, indoor play facilities, and outdoor play facilities. however, the hours that the centres remain open are limited and often restrict the people of the community from using them.
“I think we need to employ managers in each of these centres in order to let more people avail of the facilities. There are thousands of people unemployed at the moment who are only looking for something constructive to do with their time. This would be an excellent opportunity for many people to utilise their skills while providing much needed access to facilities and amenities to the people of the communities involved.
“There is little point in having wonderful facilities if they cannot be accessed. Why not open up sports pitches and community centres in the evening time when young people need somewhere to go and hang out? Activities could be organised and this could go a long way towards crime prevention and, keeping young people off the streets. Volunteerism is also strong in many of these communities and although a manager for each centre should be paid position, many of the activities that could be offered could be offered by volunteers,” concluded Mr Malone.
