Funding boost for the Silver Arch FRC

O’Meara welcomes counselling ‘lifeline for families’

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on education and youth and Tipperary North TD, Ryan O’Meara, has welcomed the announcement of €28,000 in annualised funding for community-based counselling services in Tipperary, describing it as “an essential lifeline for children and families struggling with mental health challenges across the county.”

As part of the allocation, Millennium Family Resource Centre in Thurles will receive €10,000, and Silver Arch Family Resource Centre in Nenagh will receive €18,000 in ongoing annual funding.

This investment forms part of a €1.5 million national funding package announced by the Minister for Disability, Children and Equality, Norma Foley. The funding will support 73 community and voluntary organisations across the country that provide vital counselling and therapeutic services to children and families.

The services supported include counselling, psychotherapy, play therapy, creative arts therapy, bereavement support, and systemic family therapy, ensuring children and families can access a broad range of interventions in their local communities.

Deputy O’Meara emphasised the importance of the funding, stating: “This is not once-off funding; it is an annual commitment. It gives certainty to parents and mental health professionals that these resources will be available year after year.

“Fianna Fáil recognises the growing demand for counselling services in communities across Ireland. I firmly believe that any child who needs counselling should have access to it, regardless of cost or location. These factors should never be a barrier.

“The announcement is a step towards making counselling services more accessible to children and families nationwide. Families should know they are not alone in their battles with mental health, and they should know supports are available.”

Deputy O’Meara also highlighted that the funding will help reduce waiting times, ensure children are not disadvantaged due to where they live, and create a sustainable response to the increasing demand for child and adolescent therapeutic support.

“The professionals delivering these services play an essential role in supporting children and families at critical times. It is vital that their work is recognised and backed with proper government funding.

“This is a positive step forward for community-based counselling services, but there is more to do. I will continue to advocate for these services to ensure they receive the resources they need and deserve.”