There was unanimous support in the Mullingar Town Council chamber this week for the establishment of a youth cafe in the town, with councillors agreeing to do all they could to assist in setting it up.
The discussion at this week’s council meeting grew out of a meeting organised by a youth action group recently to investigate the possibility of securing funding for a youth cafe for Mullingar.
Cllr Gerry Sheridan called on the council to write to Westmeath County Development Board on the issue, saying there was a “definite need for this type of facility”, and commended the local branch of Comhairle na nÓg for their attempts earlier this year to secure funding for the venture.
He also suggested, along with Cllr Mick Dollard, that the proceeds of criminal activity seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau should be channelled into the provision of such facilities for young people.
Cllr Sheridan’s motion was supported by Cllr Glynn, who said a youth café would “provide an outlet, and a different direction for so many young people; it can only be positive”.
Cllr Aidan Davitt added that if the funding is possible the facility would be “a big help to Mullingar”.
