Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Further Education Centre for Roscommon Town must be prioritised
Facility would provide vital resource for Roscommon’s young people and those considering a change of direction in their career
A Further Education Centre for Roscommon Town must be prioritised to meet the significant demand across the region. That is the message being delivered by Fine Gael General Election Candidate for the Roscommon-Galway constituency, Senator Aisling Dolan. According to Senator Dolan, the facility would provide a vital resource for Roscommon’s young people, as well as for those considering a change of direction in their careers.
“We need to ensure that further education and apprenticeship courses are available and accessible to people within their communities, and equally, that businesses in those areas can access and benefit from a supply of apprentices. Companies should not have to go to the major urban centres to attract talent, especially when the population is right here on our doorstep,” she noted.
Senator Dolan has spoken with An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, about the great need that exists across the county and region and has confirmed his backing on the matter. “The Taoiseach has indicated clear support for a further education centre in Roscommon. There is significant demand in our region as there is currently no apprenticeship centre in the county.
“We desperately need to see access to apprenticeship programmes in Roscommon town. With such a facility, school leavers or career changers could avail of any of 70 courses currently on offer from auctioneering to biomedicine, and from farm management to traditional craft and trades. As well as giving people the best start on the career ladder, if we can offer NFQ Level 5 and 6, as well as Degree or Postgraduate level, right here in Roscommon, this will bring huge employment opportunities to local areas,” explained Senator Dolan.
Over the last number of years, Senator Dolan has spoken extensively about the need for further education opportunities and a dedicated Apprenticeship Centre in Roscommon Town. “We need to deliver access to students in rural areas. Taster courses in, for example, veterinary and equine studies would bring people on to university, but our people need to be able to access those locally, within a 20-30 mile radius,” she reasoned.
According to Senator Dolan, the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) offers wonderful services across the region, but more is needed. “We need to see an Apprenticeship Centre being progressed for Roscommon and I very much welcome the Taoiseach’s support in ensuring we get this facility over the line,” she added.
