Youth services to see a €800,000 funding boost, says Minister O’Gorman

The Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman TD, today approved €800,000 additional funding for 65 youth services nationally.

Eligible youth services have lodged an expression of interest with their local Education and Training Board (ETB) and successful services will see an increase in their base funding going forward, according to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

“The initiative helps smaller youth services to increase their youth work provision,” said the department.

“It also benefits organisations that have been facing cost pressures, including those that have seen a reduction in service provision in recent years.”

65 youth services across all 16 ETB areas areas will benefit from the initiative with increases to their baseline grants ranging from just over €4,000 to almost €38,000.

In a statement, Minister O’Gorman said: “I am delighted to see that this investment of Exchequer funds will help so many youth organisations across the country.

“This additional funding is not about Covid-19. It is about a long term investment in youth services.

“I particularly welcome the assistance of the ETBs and their efforts to maximise the funding available.

“This sees the greatest benefit for young people supported by smaller youth services receiving additional funding today.

“I am aware of the incredible hard work taking place in youth services across the country under challenging conditions.

“This funding will go a long way in bolstering the sustainability of over 60 services across the country.”