Uncertain future for St Michael’s Family Life Centre as Sligo facility to ‘cease operations’ by year end

The building is owned by the Diocese of Elphin.

The building hosts many vital services such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, counselling services, play therapy and more.

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A letter, distributed to those who use the centre stated that the centre would cease operations at the end of 2024.

The letter , seen by The Sligo Champion, said: “I am writing to you on behalf of the board of management of St Michael’s Family Centre to bring you up to date on recent developments.

“At a meeting of the board held on Nov. 30, a decision was taken that, while the centre will continue to function and provide its services throughout the coming year, it will cease to operate at the end of 2024.

“A combination of factors has contributed to us reaching this decision.

“We will continue to function as usual during 2024 but we want to give you as much notice as possible to enable you to look for an alternative venue from the beginning of 2025.”

The news was greeted with surprise by those who use the centre.

Some of the service providers have found alternative accommodation already, but not all.

It is unclear what the ‘combination of factors’ are that led to the decision, despite attempts from this newspaper to get more information.

The Diocese of Elphin confirmed the news on Tuesday, as did a spokesperson for St Michael’s, but the reasons for the cessation were not given. The three storey home was built around 1910.