Statement on The Factory Southside Youth Space

The Board of Limerick Youth Service (LYS) wish to confirm that LYS will exit the management of The Factory Southside Youth Space from the end of 2021. This is in line with the agreement put in place with Limerick City & County Council (LCCC) in 2019.

While LYS will no longer be managing the facility, existing youth work supports provided by LYS will continue to be available to young people and their families in the community including: a Youth & Family Support Project, Youth Mental Health Project and youth work programmes.

The decision to end LYS’ management of the Southside Youth Space is the result of several factors:

• LYS agreed in December 2019 to continue the management of The Factory Southside Youth Space for an additional two-year period, following a request from LCCC.
• LYS have been informed that the Factory Building has been sold to a private entity and planning permission is in process for the demolition of the section occupied by LYS.
• LCCC had committed to progressing plans to develop and invest in appropriate alternative youth and community facilities on the Southside of Limerick city, with a view to having these facilities in place by the start of 2022.
• LCCC commitment to funding the facility under the Social Intervention Fund was for a two-year period (January 2020 – December 2021) and no commitment exists for after this period.
• All tenants co-located in the LYS section of the building have moved out of the Youth Space.

The closure of The Factory Southside Youth Space will have implications for the staff employed by LYS on the Community Services Programme.  LYS is consulting with all staff concerned to mitigate the consequences of the closure.

LYS wishes to thank the young people, community, volunteers and staff for their support and commitment to The Factory Southside Youth Space in the years since it opened its doors in 2010.

A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Centre, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.

ENDS####