To mark the successful completion of the Integrated Area Plan (IAP ), Minister John McGuinness last Friday unveiled a plaque at the site of one of the plan’s most important projects, Kilkenny’s newest youth facility, ‘ The Drum.’
Located at MacDonagh Junction shopping centre, construction of the centre’s fit-out is scheduled to start in January with completion planned for April 2009.
The shell and core facility is being provided by Chesterbridge Developments as one part of the community gain aspects of the programme. “It is a major contribution by the developers of the shopping centre for the benefit of the young people of Kilkenny and will have a long-term impact on youth provision in the county,” said the minister.
Kilkenny County Council, the Health Service Executive and Rapid are the main contributors to the fit-out of the new facility and will also invest considerable funding towards its running costs.
Foróige has been recently appointed as the operator of the centre and is currently preparing to commence programmes in early May 2009.
Tony Walsh, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, expressed great excitement at Foróige’s appointment. “To get a large national organisation with a strong reputation for excellence in its provision of services to young people is an important development and should ensure the sustainability of the project into the future,” he concluded.
