A Sinn Fein Councillor in Waterford says a number of community centres could be forced to close as a result of the costs to run them at present.Pat Fitzgerald raised the matter at a recent Waterford Council meeting.He pointed out that rising electricity and energy prices as a result of inflation are affecting centres, with bills nearly doubled in some cases.
Cllr Fitzgerald said that while community groups receive funding in the Council's annual budget, this year it might be worth considering an interim payment as well:
"These people run what have become essential services in the community, such as services for the elderly and creches, in some cases they're even running public toilets and cutting grass" he said.
Cllr Fitzgerald added that he's been in contact with one particular centre that's now considering closing its doors because it's been hit with an electricity bill of €1500, "and they're expecting another one (a bill) on top of it, without being able to pay the previous one," he said.
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