Calls for café culture to give youth its fling
POLITICIANS in Killarney have been told to stop focusing on the negative publicity surrounding young people in the town and to concentrate on providing activities for them to enjoy.
Cllr Tom Doherty was commenting on his proposals to create a youth café in Killarney to cater for young people who are left with few social outlets.
And he said it was time for the authorities to stop talking and start acting.
"As councillors, we all receive complaints about teenagers hanging around. Anti-social behaviour is a growing difficulty in all urban areas.
"But we can either zoom in on the negatives or we can seek alternatives," Cllr Doherty told The Kingdom.
He pointed out that services in the town for young people need to be developed in ways that consider the specific needs of particular age groups.
"It is my belief that a youth café can meet this need," Cllr Doherty insisted.
"There are many excellent sporting clubs and organisations out there but a youth café would enhance our youth culture," he added.
According to Cllr Doherty, a new café could slot in alongside existing youth services in Killarney town by offering young people a place to hang out and meet friends away from drinking environment.
Attractions on offer could include internet access, a pool table or Playstation access, he stated.
"A youth café is a safe environment in which young people can socialise, relax and take part in a wide range of activities," Cllr Doherty said.
"Such a gathering place for our young people can help to empower and equip this new generation with personal and social skills to enhance their positive contribution to society," he added.
The Kingdom newspaper
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