O’Shea Welcomes Progress on New Youthreach Facility in Macroom with Full Occupation Expected by January 2027

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has welcomed significant progress on the development of a new premises for Youthreach in Macroom, with learners expected to begin moving into the former Post Office building on a phased basis and full occupation anticipated by January 2027.

The progress was confirmed in a Parliamentary Question response from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

Deputy O’Shea said the new facility represents an important investment in education and training opportunities for young people in Macroom and the surrounding areas, providing a much-needed modern learning environment to replace the existing premises, which are no longer suitable.

Earlier this year, Minister Lawless granted Ministerial consent to Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) to enter into a lease for the former Post Office building in Macroom. Cork ETB subsequently signed the Agreement for Lease in October 2026, with minor fit-out works now underway.

These works include the conversion of open-plan areas into classrooms and practical workshop spaces, with the new premises also providing modern classrooms, ICT facilities and individual learning spaces.

Deputy O’Shea said “I am delighted to see this important project progressing and to receive confirmation from Minister Lawless that the new Youthreach facility in Macroom is now moving towards completion.

“The existing Youthreach accommodation is no longer suitable for the needs of learners and staff, and securing a modern, fit-for-purpose facility has been an important priority.

“The former Post Office building provides an excellent opportunity to establish a central, accessible and energy-efficient learning environment in Macroom. The new premises will offer modern classrooms, ICT facilities and practical workshop space, ensuring that learners have the appropriate facilities to support their education, training and personal development.

“I am particularly pleased that Cork ETB has now signed the Agreement for Lease and that fit-out works are underway, with full occupation expected by January 2027.

“Youthreach plays a hugely important role in providing young people with an alternative pathway through education and training. It offers vital opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and progress towards further education, apprenticeships or employment.

“I want to acknowledge the work of Cork ETB, SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education in bringing this project forward. I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the remaining works are completed and that learners can benefit from the new facility as soon as possible.”

Macroom-based Fine Gael Councillor Ted Lucey also welcomed the progress, saying “I very much welcome the progress being made on securing a new home for Youthreach in Macroom. This is a positive development for the town and, most importantly, for the young people who rely on the service.

“Youthreach provides an invaluable opportunity for young people to continue their education, develop practical skills and build a pathway towards further education and employment. It is essential that they have access to a suitable, welcoming and modern environment where they can learn and reach their full potential.

“The former Post Office building is in a very central location in Macroom, and I am pleased to see the project moving ahead, with the prospect of learners being able to move into the new premises shortly. I look forward to seeing the facility fully operational and serving the young people of Macroom and the wider area for many years to come.”

Deputy O’Shea added that the commitment to improving the building’s energy efficiency, with the landlord undertaking to achieve a Building Energy Rating of A3 by 2030, was another welcome aspect of the development.

In the meantime, Youthreach learners will continue to attend the existing Macroom centre while the phased relocation takes place.