Comments from Fianna Fáil Councillor, Eamon Quinlan at the recent Council meeting of the Waterford Metropolitan District Council, have been a source of controversy.
Cllr. Quinlan called for a new community centre for Ballybricken, explaining that he had been approached by community leaders to do so.
“I have been contacted by community leaders in the Ballybricken area, there are very interested in the changing demographics, as well as the continuing demographics of older people in the area,” said Cllr. Quinlan.
“Older people in particular would love a community centre where they could get together and keep that Ballybricken ethos alive, especially given the large numbers that live in the area, especially in apartments.”
In response a representative of the Council pointed towards an existing centre and seemed to rebuff the idea. “I would consider St. Brigid’s Family Resource centre to be a very well-established community facility in the Ballybricken area”.
“That would have a very well established intergenerational project and would work with local people in the Ballybricken area as well. Before we look at the feasibility of a new centre, I would certainly like to look at what the existing facilities are.”
St Patrick’s Gateway
In response to this discussion, St. Patrick’s Gateway Centre, also known as The Old Church on Patrick’s Street, issued a statement.
St Patrick’s Gateway Centre is a historic facility which includes a 180 seat medieval church and modern rooms for group activities, such as the Waterford Philosophical Society.
St. Patrick’s Gateway Centre pushed back against their contribution to the community being overlooked by local Councillors, especially at a time when rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to deliver their services.
“Located on the edge of Ballybricken, St. Patrick’s Gateway Centre has long provided space for a wide range of community groups, meetings, and local initiatives serving the area and the wider city centre. While we receive no funding from Waterford City & County Council, we operate as a community resource and are proud of the role we play,” said a spokesperson for St. Patrick’s Gateway Centre.
“Contrary to suggestions that Ballybricken lacks usable community space, we currently have capacity within our weekly schedule and would actively welcome support from councillors and public representatives in helping to connect community groups, services, and initiatives with the facilities already available.
“Like many community and voluntary organisations, the Centre is facing significant financial pressure due to sharply rising overheads, particularly energy costs. These challenges threaten the sustainability of existing community spaces at a time when demand for them is increasing.
“We believe any discussion about the need for community facilities in Ballybricken should include meaningful engagement with and support for existing centres that are already serving the community.”
It is understood that St Patrick’s Gateway Centre sent an email to all Councillors asking for their support in increasing the utilisation of their centre, which would benefit the entire Ballybricken community.
A resident’s perspective
Speaking to The Munster Express, an active member of the Ballybricken community, who asked not to be named, has called for a public consultation on this issue, so that the community centres, the Council, and the residents could come together, have their perspectives heard, and move forward in a workable way.
The resident was grateful to Cllr. Quinlan for raising the issue. Although they did not mind where the centre was located, they suggested there was an appetite in Ballybricken for the kind of community events seen in other parts of the City and County, which were low-to-no cost, often aimed at the active-aging community, and usually hosted by a dedicated community centre.
The resident pointed to other community centres, which host activities like creative writing, sewing, literature groups, gardening, Irish language, etc., and asked why Ballybricken residents could not have the same within walking distance, given the amount of older Irish people who live there.
The point was also made that Ballybricken is a historic but forgotten part of Waterford City, and it was suggested that the same level of neglect and anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated in other areas.
The resident believed that the Council would have to lead in this initiative, as a drop-in-centre that was not properly managed would not serve the needs of Ballybricken’s active-aging community.
In a statement following the Metropolitan meeting, Cllr. Quinlan acknowledged the pushback and clarified his intentions.
“I see where the Executive are coming from,” said Cllr. Quinlan. “St Brigids is a superb facility and I have been to many meetings there with local resident’s associations. There is also the facilities in the Old Church on Patrick St, St Patrick’s Gateway across the road from St Stephens,” he said.
“The thing is, it’s the groups that use these facilities are the ones petitioning for a standalone facility. With the nearby apartments and schools, I think it is often underrepresented just how many people live in this wider area. So much so, that some of these groups often come to me for help, when they find that places like St Brigids or St Patrick’s Gateway are completely booked out for when they need them,” Cllr. Quinlan said.
“It would be a great thing to help gel everyone in the area together and reinforce Ballybricken’s sense of community, that has taken its knocks since previous years,” he added.
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
