New Youthreach office for Cork town moves a step closer

The delivery of a new site location for Macroom Youthreach has moved a step closer following confirmation that a lease application submitted by Cork ETB has been approved.

The proposed new location for Macroom Youthreach is located on the site of the old post office in Macroom, with Cork ETB to enter a 10-year lease for the property.

In a written response to Cork North West Fianna Fáil TD Aindrias Moynihan, James Lawless the minister for further and higher education stated that Cork ETB submitted a lease application for the property in Macroom to his department for consideration in December 2025.

“The application was reviewed by an interdepartmental property oversight group, comprising officials from my department and the department of education and youth at its meeting on 29 January."

As required, ministerial sanction then issued to Cork ETB to enter a 10-year lease for this property.

Cork ETB will now proceed to finalise the lease in the coming weeks.

The minister continued: 

"As you are aware the Youthreach premises in Macroom was deemed no longer suitable for learners, and efforts to renegotiate its long expired lease were unsuccessful."

He said that Cork ETB, in conjunction with Solas, has been working to identify an alternative location that meets modern building and environmental standards and supports a safe learning environment.

The new premises will provide improved facilities, better accessibility, and space to enhance Youthreach and wider FET provision in the area. Cork ETB has confirmed that it will manage the transition with minimal disruption to learners.

“My department will continue to prioritise providing all learners with a safe, high quality learning environment that supports their wellbeing and progression," said the minister.

Mr Moynihan said that this was a very positive development for young people in the Macroom area.