Fianna Fáil has written to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs asking her to intervene and ensure the Skibbereen Community and Resource Centre in Cork is given the funding needed to complete the renovations in its new premises.

TD for Cork South West, Margaret Murphy O'Mahonywas commenting after being informed by the Centre's management that over the past six months it has lost its two main buildings as a result of commercial decisions by the owners.

She said: "At present, the centre has no permanent building, and is reliant on using a room in the Cork ETB building in the town. This has severely reduced its ability to provide services to the local community.

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"The Skibbereen Community and Resource Centre was established in 2012 and its catchment area includes the town of Skibbereen in addition to the villages of Leap, Drinagh, Baltimore, Ballydehob as well as the islands off the coast. Every week, when fully operational, 150 people walk through its door.

"The organisation has identified a suitable building on Main Street, Skibbereen from which to continue its full range of services. However, the building requires substantial renovations to the tune of €80,000.

"At present, while the HSE is supportive of funding these renovations, no commitment has been given that the funding will be made available.

"The commercial property sector is extremely competitive at present. If the organisation cannot sign a lease soon on this property, they may lose out."

(CD/MH)