Address: Fr. McGrath Centre
St. Joseph's Rd
Kilkenny

Telephone No: 056 -51988
FAX No: 056 -70903

History/Relevant Information:

St. Canice's Community Action was formed in 1992 in response to pressing local social problems, especially those affecting young people. The major aim of the organisation is to 'involve local people in tackling press social issues in our parish.

In 1996 the organisation took over a derelict old school house site in the heart of the Butts housing community and established the Fr. McGrath Centre as a community development and family resource centre.

Aided by a FAS youth training construction scheme, local business and volunteers the Centre has been renovated and has tripled in size since then.

It now houses a permanent play school and day care facility, a state of the art IT training centre and conference, training and meeting rooms to accommodate the many children and family support and training services operating from the centre. The organisation is currently developing green space areas to the rear of the centre as a public children's play area and park.

Relevant Projects:

Play school & day care centre (Learning Tree Centre)
Afters school care and youth programmes
Homework & Study Support Project (From Three To University)
Computer training centre (Kilkenny Multimedia)
Parents Support/ Advisory Services
General information, support and employment training services.

Additional information:

St. Canice's Community Action's works to a five year locally developed area action plan called 'From Three To University' (2000 -05). This four step integrated plan supports children from pre school years (step 1), children in primary and secondary school who have educational difficulties (steps 2 & 3), children with recreational and self development needs (after school/youth clubs -steps 2 & 3) and parents with education, employment training or family support needs (step 4).