Youth centre on Limerick's southside to stay put until mid-2026
Factory and council engineer deal with private firm
STAFF and members of a southside youth centre have received a further stay of execution in their existing premises.
The building which houses the Factory Southside Youth Space in Galvone Industrial Estate was sold by council to packaging firm VPK in 2018.
Since then, the club has been facing an uncertain future, with VPK seeking to eventually move into the facility.
At this month’s metropolitan district meeting, Fianna Fail’s City East councillor Catherine Slattery asked for an update on whether the facility could remain in place.
In a written reply from Fiona McCormack, of the regeneration, sports and recreation directorate, she was told that there was a new agreement in place with VPK which means The Factory can remain in situ until August 2026.
It comes after Cllr Slattery and Mayor John Moran met VPK bosses at Christmas.
The agreement will be reviewed in December of this year.
Cllr Slattery paid tribute to VPK staff for their “patience and understanding” in allowing the youth service remain in place.
“They have been brilliant,” she added.
“The Factory Youthspace is a wonderful facility and most weekends it is packed with youths from all over Limerick doing indoor sports. During the week, many groups from all over Limerick also use the space and we need to keep this facility open,” she added.
However, Cllr Slattery feels she will still have “a fight on my hands” come August 2026 when the current agreement is up.
“This is fantastic news for the people and groups which use The Factory youthspace, and the workers of the youthspace, and I am delighted I was the driving force behind this since 2018. But I also feel like I am fighting a losing battle as there is no-one pushing with me to find a new home for this vital service that is so important to so many people,” she said.
The former St Enda’s school has been mooted as a future home for The Factory.