By Diarmaid Doherty
TALKS are underway to find new cross-border accommodation for the Youthreach programme in Lifford as efforts get underway to keep the much needed facility in the local area.
The training centre which is located on Lifford’s Diamond is to close after more than 20 years.
The current building is no longer fit for purpose and those attending in Lifford will have to attend the Letterkenny centre until a new permanent residence is found.
Youthreach is the Department of Education and Skill’s official education, training and work experience programme for young people aged 16-20 years who have left school early.
The programme is run by Donegal ETB and there are six Youthreach centres across the county in Ballyshannon, Buncrana, Glengad, Gortahork, Letterkenny and Lifford.
Donegal Youthreach took to social media last week to announce the closure in Lifford, and said the centre will be amalgamating with Letterkenny Youthreach from September.
Cllr Gary Doherty
A spokesperson said they hope to return to Lifford in the coming years once suitable accommodation has been sourced.
However, local councillor Gary Doherty has said there are suitable alternatives just across the bridge in Strabane.
At the recent monthly meeting of Donegal ETB, he urged members to consider the possibility of what would be a unique venture.
“There is a perfect premises just across the bridge in Strabane,” he said.
“I know there isn’t any precedent for this, but Lifford and Strabane have always had a unique relationship.
“The fact that it’s outside our jurisdiction shouldn’t really be a problem. We should look at this being the same as having a centre in say Leitrim or Sligo.”
Cllr. Doherty said he has already been speaking to colleagues in West Tyrone and he is hoping that a meeting could be organised as early as this week with officials from Donegal ETB.
“Since the news that the Lifford facility is to close was announced, naturally the reaction has been one of deep disappointment,” Cllr Doherty said.
“There are people and families who have benefited so much from the youthreach facility and you can understand that people are anxious that the centre stays here.
“It has been such a benefit to the wider community in the Finn Valley. In the short term, they are talking about moving to Letterkenny, but in the long term, a new premises has to be found that will serve the local area.”
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