Sinn Féin general election candidate and councillor Conor D. McGuinness has reiterated his call for the Department of Children and TUSLA to make urgent provision for a Family Resource Centre in Dungarvan to serve the town and wider West Waterford Area. He made the comments following a visit to the Family Support Hub in Cappoquin.
McGuinness said:
“There is an urgent need for a Family Resource Centre in West Waterford. It’s well known that Dungarvan has a shortage of community facilities, and is underserved when compared to towns of a similar size.
“It was great to call to the Barnardos Family Support Hub in Cappoquin to get an update on the services available here, and to discuss the need for a full Family Resource Centre in the wider area
“The map of family resource centre locations shows a glaring gap corresponding with most of Co. Waterford. There is a triangle, stretching between Waterford City, Cashel and Midleton, in which there is no family resources centre available to the community, in stark contrast to the rest of the state.
“These centres provide a community-based model of family support while building up capacity, skills and leadership in the community. This is done through providing information, support and advice; delivering education and training; developing and hosting community groups and clubs; and providing counselling services and group supports.
“That Dungarvan and West Waterford has been left without a family resource centre is symptomatic of this Government’s wider neglect of Co. Waterford when it comes to public services, investment and supports.
“I have written to the Minister for Children and TUSLA asking them to engage with the community about establishing a family resource centre as a matter of urgency.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 