Clarification needed on the circumstances of the closure of the Dundalk Resource Centre – Fitzpatrick

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has expressed concern over the closure of Dundalk People’s Centre for Information and Training, otherwise known as Dundalk Resource Centre. Deputy Fitzpatrick has said that clarity is needed on the circumstances of the closure.

“I was shocked and disappointed to learn that the Dundalk Resource Centre is to close.

“The centre is run by a private limited company, Dundalk I.C.T.U Centre Ltd, and at a meeting of their Board last week, a decision was made to close the centre on the 31st August 2016.

“I am told that the decision to close was based on the current financial position of the company and I wish to emphasise that there has been no withdrawal of any Government funding here. I understand that the current financial difficulties are a result of legacy debt being carried forward. I am calling for clarity in relation to this for the sake of the service users at Dundalk Resource Centre.

“This news came as a complete shock to the 24 participants on CE Schemes run by the centre.

“I have been in constant contact with the Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, and his Department to ensure that all CE Scheme participants are relocated to alternative providers of the scheme. I am working to ensure that there is a smooth transition for these service users and that no’one is disadvantaged as a result of this closure.”