Fórsa has raised concerns over the proposed move of the Donegal Education Centre from Donegal Town to a site in Letterkenny. The union has been engaged in discussions with management on the proposed move, but gaps in clarity and questions on information remain.  The centre has operated in Donegal town for over 27 years and the proposal to move will have significant consequences for members, the local community, and businesses in the town. 

This proposal will have a big impact on workers, with a long commute to Letterkenny that will disrupt people’s lives. The distance between Donegal town and Letterkenny is significant and regular traffic challenges would only make it even longer.  

While Fórsa has asked the employers for a copy of a business case that was submitted to the Department of Education, it has not yet been received. It is now likely that the industrial relations discussion will be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for conciliation. 

Fórsa assistant general secretary Shane Lambert said: “Members must have the right to understand how such decisions are made and see the supporting evidence behind the process. This has not been the case to date and that’s just not acceptable, especially when you consider that some of these employees have worked in the Education Centre for over two decades. 

Whilst there has been talk about remote working to minimise the days spent commuting, that doesn’t take staff who can’t work remotely into account, like those on slip shifts or cleaners.” 

A public meeting held in Donegal town last Thursday, 13th February, highlighted the level of opposition to the proposed move, with huge numbers in attendance from the local community, as well as elected representatives and advocacy groups.   

Speaking about the meeting Shane said, “We told the meeting that we were continuing to deal with the industrial relations elements on behalf of our members and would continue to represent their best interests and seek the assurances and clarity that they seek.” 

Shane continued “It was very apparent that there is huge concern amongst the local community, who showed up in droves and made their collective voice heard at last Thursday’s meeting.” 

“As union officials we talk all the time about the importance of collective action and to see it alive and well in such numbers last week really was a sight to behold.  What was stark was the contributions from those who lived in the Letterkenny area, supporting the Donegal town.  That is the type of solidarity that unions and communities alike should strive to achieve!” 

“Whenever change takes place, the aim should be to bring people with you and it is clear that the process of engagement both with the union, but more importantly with the community, has failed to do that.  We are asking management to listen to the collective voice of their community and take note of what is being said. The community vehemently oppose this move and that cannot simply be dismissed.” 

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