Report requested on safeguarding measures in place for children at Mayo leisure centre following changing room incident

A councillor requested a safeguarding report for the Castlebar Municipal District after a man attempted to take a photo of a minor in changing facilities at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex. The request emphasizes that no staff should be blamed and that parents rely on the facility. The report is to outline current safeguarding measures and protections, identify any weaknesses in procedures, and describe additional protections or monitoring introduced after the incident. It should also cover strengthened staff training and reporting procedures. The request includes details on supports and communication offered to affected families and whether management contacted those involved in a sensitive and supportive manner. Visual staff supervision is sought at all times near the dressing room area.

"A councillor has called for management at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex to prepare a report for the Castlebar Municipal District outlining the safeguarding measures and protections currently in place at the facility following an incident in which a man attempted to take a photo of a minor in the changing facilities."

"“I want to make it clear this is not blaming any staff in the facility in any way,” Cllr Barrett said. “They work hard, and many parents rely on the facility.” However, he said councillors had a duty to ensure that every possible step was being taken to protect children and families using public facilities across the county."

"The motion brought forward by Cllr Barrett requested that management at the leisure complex prepare a report for councillors ahead of their next meeting in June. As part of the report, he asked management to outline what safeguarding measures are currently in place at Lough Lannagh and whether any weaknesses in procedures have been identified. He also asked what additional protections or monitoring measures are being introduced following the incident, as well as how staff training and reporting procedures are being strengthened."

"In addition, Cllr Barrett asked what supports and communication had been offered to affected families and whether management had directly contacted those involved following the incident. If not, he requested that they now do so in a “sensitive and supportive manner”. “There now needs to be visual staff supervision present or directly outside of the dressing room area at all times"

Read at Irish Independent