A youth club in Belfast, Ardoyne Youth Club, is facing challenges after being devastated by Storm Bert over the weekend. The heavy rainfall caused flooding in the club’s facilities, forcing them to close their doors and start the recovery process. This incident has shed light on the ongoing issues the club has faced, including delays in the construction of a new £2 million youth center that was planned back in 2019.
The club’s spokesperson, Joe McNeill, expressed frustration over the lack of progress and the conditions in which children and young people are expected to have youth provisions in Ardoyne. He emphasized the need for accountability from local politicians, MLAs, and the Department for Education to ensure that young people have a safe and suitable environment for their activities.
The damage caused by the storm has highlighted the urgent need for the new youth center to be built as soon as possible. The current building’s outdated infrastructure and drainage system have proven to be unreliable, leading to financial implications and disruptions in the club’s operations. The community has come together to support the cleanup efforts, but the long-term solution lies in the completion of the new building project.
Independent councillor Paul McCusker echoed the sentiments of frustration and disappointment, calling on the Department for Education and local MLAs to address the needs of young people in Ardoyne. The lack of action and empty promises have left the community feeling neglected and underserved.
Efforts to reach out to the Department for Education for a comment have been made, but the urgency of the situation remains. It is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of children and young people in Ardoyne by fulfilling their promises and commitments to provide a safe and modern youth center.
In the meantime, the community continues to rally together to support Ardoyne Youth Club and ensure that the young people have access to the resources and facilities they deserve. The resilience and determination of the community are evident in the face of adversity, but long-term solutions and support from authorities are essential to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
