Minister Zappone announces capital grant funding of €1.7m for youth projects/services and youth organisations throughout the country

Funding for 116 targeted staff-led youth projects/services and 20 national youth organisations across the country

31st July 2019

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone TD, has today announced €1.7 million in capital grant funding for 116 targeted staff-led youth projects/services and 20 national youth organisations across the country to fund small capital projects.

The grants approved, provide for the purchase of equipment to support the running of the service or organisation. They also provide for small-scale refurbishment grants to improve the health and safety of premises or the upgrade or refurbishment of premises in youth services and youth organisations.

Eligible local youth services were invited by their Education and Training Board (ETB) to apply for support and the national youth organisations applied directly for funding to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Minister Zappone stated: “I am delighted to be in a position to announce these grants. As in previous years I am confident these grants will assist in improving the quality of the services to the benefit of young people involved.

 “The national youth organisations provide exceptional engagement for the children and young people who are members nationwide.

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

“In 2019 we are investing a total of €63.6m in current and capital funding in clubs, services and supports for young people. ”

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

Minister Zappone stated that: “Youth Officers play an essential role in the co-ordination of youth service for my Department. They act as a contact point in communities and play an important support role to the providers of youth services.”