Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has been advised by the Deputy's office that this question relates to Youthreach provision in the south Clondalkin area. The Youthreach programme aims to provide young early school leavers with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate fully in society and progress to further education, training and employment.

My officials have contacted Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) regarding this matter. DDLETB has three Youthreach Centres in Clondalkin and Lucan area, one in Clondalkin Village with 50 places, another YES Centre in Neilstown with 25 places and one in Lucan Village with 37 places. Youthreach enrolments are still recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly as there are places available within the existing provision, there are no plans to provide additional youthreach capacity in the Clondalkin area.

As the Deputy will be aware my Department gave approval in August 2022 to appoint a Design Team to develop proposals for the Adult Education and Youth Centre in Clondalkin. My Department is advised by SOLAS that the ETB have tendered for this Design Team and are awaiting conclusion of the procurement process. Once this procurement is finalised, and the Design Team are appointed, my Department and SOLAS will meet with the ETB, and review their proposals.