‘We need more plumbers and electricians’: Call for educational hub in Leitrim
Councillors want MSLETB to examine the potential for new trade courses in Ballinamore and the cost of refurbishing the former vocational school building.
A call has been made for the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) to conduct a feasibility study into what courses could be added in Ballinamore, and potentially include the cost of refurbishing the former vocational school.
The proposal was highlighted by Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn, who asked that the Council contact MSLETB to request the study.
Cllr Reynolds-Flynn told the meeting that she and Cllr Paddy O’Rourke were on the board in 2013, when it was known as the Leitrim Vocational Educational Committee (VEC). The two worked to secure heating and lighting for the vocational school building, which remains in place today.
With these facilities already available in the building, Cllr Reynolds-Flynn said it could be used as an educational hub for trades.
“We need more plumbers and electricians. We could have an educational hub. The building is good - there’s heat and light in it,” she said, adding that it is currently also used by the Men’s Shed.
“The mission statement of the VEC was to provide those in our communities with opportunities for life and living. There is a need in our communities for trade. It would be a great addition,” she added.
Cllr Paddy O’Rourke seconded the motion, noting that a meeting was recently held between MSLETB and the Men’s Shed to discuss how best they could accommodate the community and how the building is being used. He added that he hoped some progress had been made on the matter.
“The building itself requires a significant amount of investment,” he added.
Director of Services David Minton told Cllr Reynolds-Flynn that they were happy to write to MSLETB as a Municipal District, but that the courthouse redevelopment in Ballinamore is currently a priority for funding.
However, he noted that the building could be suitable for a community-based project to explore a feasibility partnership, potentially involving the ETB and community groups, to consider what the building could be repurposed for in the future.
“The priority is to keep it open to the community like the Men’s Shed,” commented Cllr Prior.
Cllr Brendan Barry noted that Youthreach in Mohill had been promised funding for the building in Mohill, which still had not come, and asked that this also be mentioned in correspondence to MSLETB to put a push on that funding and help keep people attending Youthreach courses.