THE future of the outdoor sailing and training centre in Schull is in doubt and jobs are at risk, concerned local residents fear.

A meeting was held in Kinsale last week between members of the Schull Outdoor Education Centre, representatives of Cork Education Training Board (ETB), and the trade union SIPTU.

A spokesperson said the ETB is ‘engaging with all stakeholders’ including staff and unions regarding ‘steps to reduce ongoing operational costs to secure the future sustainability of the service’.

Regarding the three non-permanent jobs at the Schull centre, the spokesperson said: ‘Discussions remain ongoing so we’re not in a position to confirm job losses or timelines at the moment.’

A parents’ association meeting is due to be held this week to compile a list of questions to which locals are demanding answers.

Parents fear the ETB is seeking ways of reducing operational costs by cutting staff in the Schull centre, and not Kinsale.

One parent made the point that February is the month when all other clubs, such as Baltimore, Crosshaven, Bantry and Glandore, are recruiting their young instructors, and setting out their summer schedules and programme of events.

Uncertainty over the future of the Schull centre is not just confined to parents. ‘Lots of people visit Schull specifically for sailing and kayaking and the outdoor adventure week. It brings tourists to the village and is an integral part of our community,’ one local said.

The ETB spokesperson explained that the Outdoor Education Service is partially funded through a budgetary allocation included in the ETB’s overall Further Education Training allocation from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, as well as Solas.

For the remainder of its funding, it operates on a ‘self-financing’ basis, generating income from delivered activity.

The spokesperson said ‘the  service has accrued significant financial deficits, placing severe strain on Cork ETB’s ability to continue providing high-quality services and experiences in a financially sustainable manner.

‘To address these and other challenges, a comprehensive strategic framework has been drafted with the aim of safeguarding the future viability of the Outdoor Education Service. Both centres in Kinsale and Schull will remain open and operational.

‘Unfortunately, staff costs account for a significant portion of current operational costs and the reduction of staffing levels in the service through non-renewal of fixed term contracts is a measure that is under consideration.

‘Cork ETB wishes to emphasise that every possible avenue has been explored to date to avoid this outcome, and discussions with stakeholders, reviews of operational structures, and efforts to identify alternative solutions have all been undertaken.

‘Cork ETB is currently engaging with stakeholders including staff and unions regarding steps to reduce ongoing operational costs to secure the future sustainability of the service and ensure that it can continue to serve communities in the years ahead.’