New running track planned for Ahiohill treatment centre

THE Matt Talbot Adolescent Centre at Cara Lodge in Ahiohill near Enniskeane is one of 86 youth projects around the country to receive funding from Minister Katherine Zappone’s Department for Children and Youth Affairs. 

A grant of €8,178 has been allocated for a running track, a raised bed and polytunnel project, as well as the installation and upgrade of showers for Cara Lodge. 

The centre provides residential treatment for boys aged between 14 and 18 years old, who suffer with serious substance abuse and co-existing psycho-social challenging issues. 

As part of their treatment programme, those staying there engage in a wide variety of activities such as kick-boxing, horse riding and swimming to allow them experience natural highs without substances. 

As well as having an educational facility, which enables the young people remain in education while in treatment, they also offer courses in horticulture and cooking.

Cork-based Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard has welcomed the capital funding for the centre, which he says will benefit young people in Cork.

‘I am delighted that the Matt Talbot Adolescent Centre in Enniskeane is to receive €8,178 in funding. Youth projects and organisations like this centre play a crucial role in supporting young people throughout the country. It is hugely important that the Government continues to acknowledge their work and provide funding so that they can maintain and, in some cases, expand their services,’ said Senator Lombard.

‘We are working hard in Government to ensure that our recovering economy is used in the right way. 

This means making sure that everyone benefits, particularly vulnerable people or those who need extra support.’