13-07-2002
Mountmellick kids face river danger
"A serious and dangerous situation" faced young children in the Ashgrove housing estate, Cllr Denis O'Meara told Mountmellick town council monthly meeting last week.
Adjoining the estate was an unfenced river with a four to six foot drop, he explained, he cautioned: "I can see a tradgey."
Chairman Michael Gormley said he and Deputy John Moloney had discussed the issue with the Co Council planning officials. He added: "The residents are very concerned."
Deputy Co Manager Declan Byrne: "There's easy access to rivers all over the town, not just in this area."
Cllr David Conroy: "I think the responsibility lies with the planning authority. This should have been foreseen by the planning authority. It was unfair to build houses up on to a river bank without some form of protection."
Chairman Gormley: "I will be asking that the planning office meet with me again."
Cllr Doody :"We seem to be concerned with one area. In other areas kids can walk straight into the river."
Cllr O'Meara said he Co Council had fenced in the other side of the river, across from Ashgrove.
Manager Byrne said the responsibility for the children's safety rested with the parents, not the planing authority. The houses had back gardens. He claimed: "it's no different than houses on the side of the street where children are not let out."
Cllr Helen Hanson: "There must be something that can be done"
Chairman Gormley: "I will meet with the officials."
Mountmellick Community Education Centre to take enrolments
A visitor's first impression of the Mountmellick Community Education Centre would no doubt be one of activity sometimes bordering on the chaotic. Teachers and students are constantly busy, involved in the process of encouragement, creative thinking and education.
The programmes undertaken at the centre, include Youthreach and Post Leaving Certificate courses in childcare and hairdressing.
The centre is to hold its enrolment day on Wednesday, July 17 from 11am - 3pm. Information will be available on the various programmes and the certificate options on offer at the centre. "We support the idea of life long learning and invite students of all ages to come and study at Mountmellick Community Education centre."
The programmes available have diversified and strengthened sine the centre began in 1990 under the aupices of Laois VEC with funding from the Department of Education and Science, the European Social Fund and the National Development Plan. Students form all over Laois now travel to the centre to further their education, confidence and life skills. For young mothers wishing to learn, a creche is on site at the centre, with a playground under construction.
Youthreach is specifically designed for young people who are fifteen years old and above, who have left school with little or no qualifications. Programmes under the heading Youthreach include a foundation programme for those new to the centre and with no formal qualifications, the junior Cert Programme and the Leaving Cert Applied Programme, a more practical and hands-on course than the Leaving Cert.
Post Leaving Certificate courses on offer include the hugely successful Childcare and hairdressing programme which awards the participant a FETAC level two Certificate which is a nationally recognised qualification.
A further possibility for the year ahead is a programme offering a Certificate in Youth Work which includes modules on "After Schools Work", "Working with Young people" and "Understanding Youth Work."
In recent years Youthrech has taken part in several foreign exchange programmes including trips to Germany, Crete, Brussels and Paris. A recent trip to Brussels saw students meeting European Commissioner David Byrne and local MEP Liam Hyland.
Centre Co-ordinator Patricia Cullen emphasizes the fact that all of the programmes are learner centred and that every participant is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Ms Cullen also outlined that attendance at the Centre can be tailored to meet the needs of the participants while still fulfilling all certification requirements. "For example, someone working in childcare during the day may be able to further their qualifications here at afternoon or night classes."
There is no shortage of qualified staff at the centre. Five fulltime teaching and administration staff are supplemented by up to twenty two part time teachers, three creche workers and care taking staff. A canteen is also on site at the centre, with two fulltime staff.
Ms Cullen praised all of the staff who work in Mountmellick Community Education Centre. "Without them it would be impossible to deliver such innovative programmes to such a high standard." Ms Cullen was also appreciative of the support which the centre receives from Mr L. Kavanagh A.E.O. and Mr Ronan Rice, C.E.O. Laois VEC who have consistantly encouraged and supported the innovative leadership and teaching practices in Mountmellick Community Education Centre.
Big news for the centre is the imminent launch of its web site at www.laoisyouthreach.com which gives details about the courses available at the Centre. Prospective students can even enrol in the centre on line.
