Pictured last summer at the launch of the Foróige POINT (Providing Opportunities in North Tipperary) Youth Diversion Project in Thurles are Mags Higgins, Foróige; Lauren Culbert, Foróige; Sarah O’Dwyer, South Area Manager, Foróige; Minister Catherine Ardagh, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; Wayne Travers, Chairperson, Foróige; TD Ryan O’Meara; Serena Orr, SYO, Foróige; Fiona Dougliss, Foróige; Joan Irwin, Foróige.

Investing in our future communities

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North Tipp TDs Ryan O’Meara and Michael Lowry have welcomed €63,260 in capital funding for four UBU youth services across Tipperary.

The funding forms part of a €1.6 million national allocation for upgrades to UBU youth services and will support minor works, equipment purchases and improvements to youth facilities.

Deputy O’Meara said:

“This €63,260 investment will strengthen youth services across Tipperary and support the young people who rely on them.

“Youth services provide young people with safe and welcoming places to meet, build confidence and learn new skills. This funding will allow services to upgrade facilities, replace equipment and make practical improvements that will strengthen the work they do every day.”

The funding allocations are:

• NTDC Roscrea Youth Service: €15,376

• WSTCYS Clonmel CYP: €9,534

• Foróige Nenagh YP: €14,062

• YWIT Thurles Templemore: €24,288

The funding can support improvements including ICT and digital infrastructure, building refurbishment, recreation equipment, safety and security works, arts and music equipment, accessibility improvements and energy efficiency measures.

Deputy O’Meara added:

“I want to congratulate each of the projects receiving funding. The staff and volunteers involved in youth services across Tipperary do hugely important work, and this investment will help ensure they have modern, safe and well-equipped facilities in which to continue supporting young people.

“Investing in youth services is an investment in our young people and in the communities they are growing up in.”

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Lowry said: This is a very positive investment in youth services and in the young people who rely on these facilities every day. Youth organisations play a crucial role in supporting personal development, building confidence, fostering social connections and promoting wellbeing among young people. It is essential that they are properly equipped to continue providing these vital services."

Commenting on these allocations, Deputy Lowry added: I am particularly pleased to see strong support being provided to youth services in Roscrea, Nenagh, Thurles and Templemore. These organisations make an invaluable contribution to their communities and this funding will help them upgrade facilities, replace ageing equipment and enhance the programmes and activities available to local young people.

"By investing in youth work infrastructure, we are investing in the future of our communities. This funding will help ensure that young people have access to high-quality, inclusive and well-equipped facilities where they can learn new skills, participate in community life and reach their full potential."

The investment forms part of the Government's commitment under Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services, which seeks to strengthen youth work infrastructure and improve access to quality youth services throughout the country.

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