Residents must run Ballinfoile centre, says Cllr Fahy

GALWAY ADVERTISER, APRIL 24, 2014.

Residents and local clubs must have an input into the running of the €3.4 million Ballinfoile Community Neighbourhood Centre, according to local city councillor Frank Fahy.

Speaking ahead of a public meeting held in the Menlo Park Hotel last night, Cllr Fahy said the community must have a say and that he would oppose any attempt by the Galway City Council to employ a private for profit company to manage a public facility paid for by the taxpayers’ money.

After three decades of campaigning, the contract was signed by Galway City Mayor Pádraig Conneely, city manager Brendan McGrath, and Purcell Construction last week. Construction is expected to commence in June with completion in early 2015. It is understood that plans for the use and management of the centre were discussed at last night’s public meeting.

“The centre should be run by a committee made up of representatives from all the different local residents associations, clubs, and organisations and Galway City Council,” said Cllr Fahy. The Fine Gael councillor, who is chairman of RAPID, added: “It is imperative that all residents have a say in the running of the centre and take ownership of it as a community facility.”