Pilot’s Row staff being consulted on best possible outcome for ‘community, children and young people’

The Education Authority said it is focused on ‘achieving the best possible outcome for the local community, children and young people’ who use the popular Rossville Street facility.

The ‘Journal’ asked the EA for a statement on Pilot’s Row after sources told the paper a consultation with staff was underway.

A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “Pilot’s Row Youth and Community Centre has been managed by EA and Derry City and Strabane District Council since 1977 through a Joint Committee.*

“A review was recently commissioned by the Joint Committee to evaluate how community and youth services could be best delivered moving forward.

“A decision has not yet been taken but consultation work with staff has already begun to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for the local community, children and young people.

“There are no plans to close Pilot’s Row Youth and Community Centre.”

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council explained that the Pilot’s Row Centre is operated through a partnership arrangement with the EA that also includes joint funding provision for the centre.

“The day to day running of the centre is operated and staffed solely by the EA. The Council will continue through the existing partnership arrangement to work closely with the EA around any decisions about future options for the provision of services and uses of the building,” the spokesperson said.

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