Yesterday, the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, held a special event bringing young people face to face with members of the Oireachtas to discuss funding for youth services.
Taking place at Buswells Hotel, the young advocates were able to speak directly to key decision makers ahead of Budget 2025.
Deputy Cian O’Callaghan, Maria Williams, Mick Ferron and Emma Buckley
Maria Williams from Darndale said: “I really enjoyed meeting our local representatives and sharing with them some of the amazing experiences I’ve had with Sphere 17.
“There’s so much important work happening in our local area to support young people and I want to make sure that our local representatives carry that message to the national level, so that youth work in our area and beyond gets its fair share come budget time.”
Aisha Alameen Betro and Deputy Louise O’Reilly
NYCI is calling for a €15 million increase in funding for youth work in order for the needs of young people to be met.
The advocates present at yesterday’s event, many of whom were NYCI Local Champions, told policymakers about the vital role these services have played in their own lives and how this funding is essential to keep these supports running.
Kathryn Walsh, NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy, said “The National Youth Council of Ireland is devoted to advocating for young people and youth work to receive the necessary investment and support they deserve.
“This event was a great opportunity for policymakers to hear about how youth work can transform young people’s lives.
“We hope that this has made its value clear and that our elected representatives will commit to increasing funding in this year’s budget.”
Jack Jones, Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett, Aisling Maloney and Adam Donovan
Carmel O’Connor, Deputy Jim O’Callaghan and Nikolas Ryan
According to the NYCI, this investment of an additional €15 million is needed to secure the future of crucial youth work services, which would have a significant positive impact on local communities.
“Enhanced funding for universal and targeted youth work would ensure that growing local demand is met, giving every young person in the community access to essential support.
“Capital investment in physical youth work spaces would help maintain accessible, welcoming facilities in towns and neighbourhoods, making it easier for young people to engage with these services.
“Furthermore, strengthening Youth Information Services would provide local communities with a vital resource to ensure young people have access to accurate and trustworthy information that can benefit their development and well-being.