Dr James Reilly TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has today
(Monday November 3rd 2014) announced the availability of €.5 million
capital funding for small to medium capital grants to youth projects in
disadvantaged communities in 2014.
Grants will be available for the up-grade or replacement of equipment, for
example, computer/software updates, sports equipment, multi-media
equipment, furnishing upgrades. Details of the scheme and how to apply are
on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs website at www.dcya.gov.ie.
(from Monday November 3rd) .
Minister Reilly stated: “I am very pleased to have this funding available
to provide to youth services which do vital work in some of the more
disadvantaged communities in our society. The money will assist in
improving the quality of the services and their facilities to the benefit
of young people involved. The provision of the funding underscores the
Government’s commitment to enhance the quality of services which add such
value to our communities.”
The Minister particularly recognises the commitment of the many volunteers
involved in assisting and managing youth projects throughout the country.
This voluntary effort, combined with the professionalism and dedication of
youth service employees, makes a significant contribution to the ensuring
the lives of young people are enhanced and improved through the services
offered by youth projects. The aim of this capital funding scheme is to
provide much needed assistance to youth projects to improve the facilities
and equipment available for their work with young people in their
communities.
The Minister thanked Youth Officers in local Education and Training Boards
for their work in supporting local youth projects and their assistance to
his Department in the operation of this scheme.
The Capital funding scheme for small to medium capital grants is open to
applications from Department of Children and Youth Affairs funded projects
under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY), Youth Information
Centres (YICs), Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) and
Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) (21 mainstreamed projects). As a once-off
exceptional measure the scheme is also open to a number of national youth
organisations.
The grant scheme also calls for applications in early 2015 for capital
projects related to health and safety improvements to premises (e.g.,
improved access for young people with disabilities; fire doors) and/or
upgrade or refurbishment of premises (e.g. window replacements; heating
upgrades).
Full details of the scheme and contact addresses for Education and Training
Boards are available on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs
website at www.dcya.gov.ie.