merrion street

Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has today announced €1.74 million in grants for 128 targeted staff-led youth projects and services across the country to fund small capital projects.

The grants approved, support purchases of equipment and small scale projects, including the upgrade of bathrooms and kitchens in youth services. Eligible local services were invited by their Education and Training Board (ETB) to apply for support.

Minister Zappone stated:

I am delighted to be in a position to announce these grants. I am confident the grants will assist in improving the quality of the services to the benefit of young people involved. In particular they will improve physical facilities, many of which are in areas of disadvantage.

The provision of these grants underscores the Government’s continued commitment to enhance the quality of services which add such value to our communities. Investing in young people is a key priority for Government.

In 2018 we are investing a total of €61.5m in current and capital funding in clubs, services and supports for young people. 

The Minister thanked Youth Officers in the sixteen ETBs for their work in supporting local youth projects and their assistance to her Department in the design and implementation of this scheme.

Minister Zappone stated that

Youth Officers play an essential role in the co-ordination of youth service provision to my Department. They act as a contact point in their respective localities and play important support
role to the providers of youth services.