Need for Family Resource Centre in Cootehill

Momentum is growing to build support around securing a Family Resource Centre for Cootehill.

“Cootehill needs a Family Resource Centre. Cootehill is crying out for an FRC,” said Sinn Féin Councillor Stiofán Conaty at the September monthly meeting of Cavan County Council.

Asking that the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality confirm the next application window and to support the Croílár na nDroimlíní bid, he said: “We only have to look at Teach Oscaill in Cavan Town to see the benefits and the unbelievable work that FRCs carry out.”

Cllr Conaty said Cootehill had a strong case, with the voluntary Croílár na nDroimlíní committee already carrying out community outreach despite having no dedicated facility or funding. He said there had been particular frustration after the town came close to securing an FRC in the previous application round.

“Last year, we were led to believe that Cootehill was on the verge of being designated for an FRC,” he said. “Cootehill was supposed to be among the top applications, but it didn't happen.”

While he said he did not begrudge successful applicants in other towns, he questioned why the Cootehill group should have to start again from scratch.

“What is really frustrating is the fact that the Croílár na nDroimlíní application came so close and, as a result of just missing out, they have to start all over again,” he said.

Cllr Conaty called for a rolling application process, allowing qualifying applications that narrowly miss out to remain active rather than having to re-enter the process from the beginning.

Strong case

He also welcomed the recent €10,000 increase in funding for existing FRCs but called for greater investment to allow more towns to establish centres. “Above all, I ask that we as a council make a strong case to the Minister and to Tusla that Croílár na nDroimlíní be chosen for a much-needed Family Resource Centre in Cootehill in the next round of applications,” Cllr Conaty told his fellow elected members.

Cathaoirleach Carmel Brady backed the motion, acknowledging the work done to date by Croílár na nDroimlíní. While she praised the work done in Hub Muinchille, she stated there was still a need for a dedicated FRC in the town regardless.

* This article has been published with support from the Local Democracy Scheme