Balgaddy centre is saved by Tusla

Tusla, the national child and family agency, has announced that it will provide crucial funding for the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre for 2015.
The centre previously received funding from Atlantic Philanthropies, which ceases from 2015,and was in urgent need of financial support in order to continue its service within the community.
The total amount the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre will get is currently being finalised.
Welcoming this announcement, Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald, said: “In October last, I facilitated the visit to Balgaddy Child and Family Centre of Gordon Jeyes, chief executive of Tusla, the national Child and Family Agency, in order to assess the best and most viable options for maintaining the centre’s important role in the local community.
“I am delighted that the discussions initiated at this meeting have now led to a commitment from Tusla to provide core funding for the centre in 2015.
“Coming under the auspices of Tusla also means that the centre is well placed to thrive in 2016 and beyond.
“I will continue to work with the staff and board of the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre in order to give this important facility every chance to build on its already-vital role in the community,” she said.
Cllr Eoin O Broin (SF) also commented, saying that the centre needed a significant increase in funding, especially for older teenagers.
He said: “I want to welcome the announcement by the Minister. However, it is important that the total amount of funding awarded is at the level at which the centre is currently operating.
“Sinn Fein has raised this matter directly with the Minister on a number of occasions most recently on the 14th of this year. I understand that a number of constructive engagements between the centre and the Department took place, the most recent on January 19.
“[The] announcement by the Minister is good news for the local community. However, Balgaddy needs a significant increase in investment in community facilities particularly for older teenagers,” said Cllr O Broin.