Positive news on Family Resource Support service for north Mayo

MAYO Deputy Alan Dillon has welcomed positive developments on the establishment of a Family Resource Support service in the Erris area.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman, has given his commitment to support the Erris FRC group to enter the next round of the FRC programme, which is the vehicle to establish a family centre service in the Erris area.

The proposed FRC service will be supported by Tusla with core funding of €160,000 per annum now guaranteed.

Said Deputy Dillon: “I want to acknowledge the determination and hard work undertaken by all member of the FRC for Erris steering committee led by chairperson Leanne Barret, who have all been instrumental in getting to this stage.

“Tusla have indicated their readiness to enter a service-level agreement as early as this year or next year, depending on Erris FRC readiness to engage with other state agencies such as Mayo County Council and the HSE.”

He added: “This agreement with Tusla locally is the first step to delivering all services associated with a family resource centre.

“There are over 100 communities supported through the Child and Family Agency's family and community services resource centre programme providing services and support to local communities.

“The FRC programme is the largest family support programme delivering universal services to families in disadvantaged areas across the country. Delivery for this in the Erris region is vital.”