By Bernie Ní Fhlatharta

Galway City Council has committed to supporting the provision of a facility dedicated to the gay community of the region.

In discussing the proposed City Draft Development Plan for 2011-2017, councillors agreed last night that in the interests of social inclusion that a stand-alone facility would be the best option for the LGBT group representing lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgenders.

It is the remit of the City Council to promote social inclusion and to incorporate the needs and opinions of various groups.

And in keeping with those aspirations, Cllr Billy Cameron, seconded by Cllr Niall McNelis, asked that the new Development Plan commits to supporting the LGBT community with a resource centre.

Cllr Cameron, in response to suggestions that the group share a facility, said that in this case a stand-alone premises was needed to provide a safe, secure environment where young people could express their sexuality.“There are a lot of suicides among young people among this community because it is not a safe environment for people to come out. By supporting this we would show that we are a gay friendly city."

Councillors agreed with this inclusion but insisted it would include that their support would depend on prior funding being in place for such a facility.

Read more in this week's Connacht Sentinel