COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
MOTION NO. 5
MOTION: Councillor E. Tuffy
"That this Committee notes reports that the provision of training programmes for unemployed persons, under various Government Labour Activation initiatives, is being inhibited by lack of suitable accommodation, which complies with access and health and safety regulations, in Lucan and Clondalkin, requests the Manager to assess the possibility of the Council making available for training programmes space in Community Centres, such as Ballyowen Castle, Clondalkin Civic Centre, and other Council managed premises."
REPORT:
There are a number of training programmes currently underway in several community centres. These programmes provide a source of rent and usually target people from the local area.
They include the following:-
Quarryvale Childcare FETAC 5.
Neilstown Social Analysis FETAC 5.
Rowlagh Creative Training –Computers
Healthy Living 2012 – 2013
Community Development.
Computers FETEC 5.
The Community Centres as a rule are more than willing to help their local community in whatever way they can
The VEC have completed a labour activation programme in Ballyowen, but the difficulty is that, in addition to the room, they also require storage etc. The management committee are very supportive of providing training space and will endeavour to meet all reasonable requests for space.
The Dept of Social Protection puts several training programmes out to tender annually. Contractors then tender for each programme. The onus is on the training company to source a suitable venue and rent the rooms for the duration of the programme. A DOSP inspector usually calls on site to ensure that the premises are fit for purpose. New regulations governing working conditions, i.e. natural day light, floor space, canteen facilities, toilets etc are a big factor. Most programmes require seating for 20 participants and 2 trainers. There are few rooms this size within the community portfolio. The training companies sometimes avail of hotel space to address their needs.
The matter will be brought to the attention of the Boards of all the Community Centres and they will be encouraged to make their facilities available for such training programmes whenever possible and practical.