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Monday 31 July 2017

€4m in capital funding to be made available for community youth groups


“More than 1,500 groups can apply from September”

Statement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone


Monday 31st July, 2017

More than 1,500 community youth groups are set to benefit from a €4m capital fund being established  by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone.

Minister Zappone is confirming that the money is being made available to allow clubs buy equipment which will support their work with young people.


Announcing the establishment of the fund, Minister Katherine Zappone added:

“Reversing the cuts of recent years for youth services is a priority for me – and this year we took a big step forward with current funding increasing by 10% to €57m.

However more must be done. Today (Monday 31st July) I can confirm that money is now being made available to community based youth clubs with the establishment of a €4m capital fund.

The impact will be significant. Over 1,500 volunteer led clubs will be eligible to apply, reaching practically every community in the country. I encourage clubs to examine which sports, arts, adventure or other equipment they need the most and be ready to apply.

This is an opportunity to offer our young people opportunities for creativity, recreation and adventure.

These volunteer led youth clubs translate our policies into reality on the ground. They are in the frontline providing young people with indoor and outdoor activities to prevent them falling into trouble. They also improve health, wellbeing and build team spirit.

The value of this work must never be under-estimated. It turns our policies to tackle anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and drug abuse as well as anti-obesity plans into reality. It is worthy of Government support.

The Application process for the funding is expected to open in late September. My officials will work with the local Education and Training Boards to ensure that the money can be delivered to successful applicants as soon as possible and turned into action on the ground."

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