Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I appreciate the detail in it and his obvious commitment to this. Nonetheless, it is incredibly disappointing that very little progress seems to have been made on this. Initially, there was meant to be a new centre in 2023, then in 2024. Being brutally honest, we are at the start of the month of March now, so from reading that, it is highly unlikely we will have progress for September 2025.

I would be obliged if the Minister could provide any further clarity as to where we actually are in terms of due diligence. In regard to sanctioning a lease, I am aware that there is a property in the town that is being considered, but the personnel in Youthreach and I were under the impression that the consideration was much further along than appears to be the case. The Minister noted within his response the level of services provided by Youthreach. It is a truly fantastic service and we are lucky to have it in the town, but the standard of the current building is disappointing. The Minister stated that he had been down there, but I will of course extend an invite to him to come down and see it again. It is poor that students and staff are in these conditions and the matter cannot seem to be expedited.