And manager of the centre, Eileen Sheridan said the only reason it was closing was the fact that the lease with the diocese had increased from €1,200 per annum to €10,000
The building hosted many vital services such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, counselling services, play therapy and more run by the St Michael’s Family Centre.
It was announced this week that the building had been sold jointly to Sligo County Council, Sligo Leader and Kingsbridge private hospital.
But Ms Sheridan said that there was that there was no planned closure of the centre, as was stated by the Diocese in the aftermath of the sale.
On Tuesday the Diocese issued a statement stating income from the sale of St Michael’s, Church Hill, Sligo will be used to support “future initiatives in the mission of the Diocese.”
The Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran confirmed the sale of St Michael’s which has been in the ownership of the Diocese since 1992.
Bishop Doran said: “It was designated by my predecessor, Bishop Christopher Jones, for services to the family. In recent times, the needs appear to have changed.
“Now, with the planned closure of St Michael’s Family Centre at the end of the year, I am very happy to know that St Michael’s will continue to serve the local community into the future and I wish the new owners every blessing and success.
“I would like to thank all who have been part of the story of St Michael’s over many years,” he said.
Bishop Doran also said “the income from the sale of the property will be used to support future initiatives in the mission of the Diocese.
Reacting to the statement, Ms Sheridan said: “Yes we were told that back in June 2023 that the centre would be closing but I believe the diocese gave the impression that it was because not much was happening in the centre and that is not accurate at all.“We were continuing to provide a vital service to the local community on very restricted funding.
“The needs of society change over the years but the needs for counselling and support are higher than ever.
“The centre was busy every day including weekends, with people attending courses, counselling, play therapy and a variety of support groups and this would have continued.”
Ms Sheridan added that the only reason St Michael’s was closing was, because they could not afford the increased rent, and they could not get any funding towards this.
“It is important that the community is aware of that fact.
”Our lease with the Diocese was at a low rent of €1,200 per annum with St Michael’s responsible for all maintenance of building and grounds, which we kept to a high standard with the help of a CE scheme and volunteers.
“We were informed, in June 2023, that, when our lease was due for renewal in June 2024, the rent would rise to €10,000 with the same responsibilities remaining with us.
“There is no way we could afford that. We approached Tusla for extra funding but were informed that nothing would be available to help with the increased rental cost.
Ms Sheridan added: “I want to stress that St Michael’s was very busy, full of life and activity and providing a much-needed service.
“We had no plans to close, we were forced to do so by our not having the ability to meet the increased rent.
“The closure of St Michael’s Family Centre after almost 30 years, simply because of funding, is a huge loss to the Sligo community no matter what gloss is put on it.
“ I would like the County Council to clarify what they intend developing on the grounds and how that will benefit the community.
Meanwhile in an article in the Sligo Champion last April- a letter from the board of management suggested that the future of St Michael’s Family Life Centre in Sligo town was under threat as notice has been given that it is set to ‘cease operations’ by the end of the year.
A letter, distributed to those who use the centre last April stated that the centre would cease operations at the end of 2024.
The letter 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 November 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.