€52,829 capital funding announced for local youth projects

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Five Waterford Wexford ETB projects set to benefit from €1.6million national fund

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD, has welcomed the allocation of €52,829 worth of capital funding for five local youth projects, as part of a €1.6million national fund.

The funding, which was announced today by Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton TD, will support minor works, equipment purchases and facility upgrades in youth services nationwide, benefitting more than 500 individual projects in local communities. This is the first dedicated capital funding stream for minor works and equipment upgrades available to UBU-funded youth services since 2023 and will help ensure that young people have access to modern, safe and welcoming spaces in which to learn, connect and participate.

Five groups under the Waterford Wexford Education Training Board will benefit from the

fund.

Ferrybank Youth Development Project - €5,675
FDYS – Cloisters Community Youth Project - €3,759
FDYS – Bunclody Area Youth Support - €18,500
Little Red Kettle - €5,504
Manor St John - €19,390

The investment will support a wide range of improvements, including - ICT and digital

infrastructure; building refurbishment and premises upgrades; youth programme and

recreation equipment; fire, safety and security works; kitchen and domestic facilities; arts,

music and creative media equipment; outdoor and environmental infrastructure; accessibility and inclusion improvements and energy efficiency and sustainability measures.

Minister Cummins said: “This is fantastic news for these groups in Waterford and the wider area. The funding will enable these youth services to modernise their facilities, replace ageing equipment, improve accessibility and enhance the quality of services and activities available to young people.

The investment supports the ambitions set out in Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services, by strengthening youth work infrastructure and ensuring young people can access high quality, inclusive and well-equipped youth facilities within their communities.

Youth services play a vital role in supporting young people across Ireland, providing

opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, foster social connections and promote

wellbeing. This funding will support youth workers in continuing to deliver these essential

services while enhancing the facilities and resources available to the young people they serve."