‘We need a new family resource centre’ — Kildare councillor
A family-resource centre (FRC) is needed for the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD).
That’s according to Labour Party councillor Angela Feeney, who made her opinion known at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Friday, January 6.
Cllr Feeney called on her fellow local representatives to support her motion, in order to 'serve the needs' of the MD.
Social Democrats Cllr Aidan Farrelly backed her motion, saying: "I have experience working in FRCs, and I agree that they bring many benefits to local communities."
Kildare County Council (KCC) said it recognises that North Kildare, including Celbridge, does not have an FRC, and added that the issue has been discussed at many forums, including with Tusla), who core-fund all FRCs in Ireland.
CAVEAT
However, KCC stressed that due to 'the absence of national funding, it is not possible to establish a new centre.'
"While the council can support local communities to make an application for an FRC, this is only possible when national funding is available," KCC added.
In its report in response to Cllr Feeney's motion, KCC also pointed out that the last round of FRC funding to expand the number of existing centres was back in 2018.
The council further said that, during this time period, County Kildare was successful in doubling the number of FRCs from two to four.