Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
529. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to meet the Government’s stated commitments to developing youth places and spaces, given the lack of funding the Government have committed to the sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9148/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, arising from Budget 2026 an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been secured to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment will support the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024–2028 and represents a strong commitment to ensuring that all young people can access high-quality, inclusive supports in their communities.
The overall core current and capital funding available for youth services in 2026 will now total €94.1 million, an increase of 9.3% on the allocation for 2025. This enhanced investment strengthens the foundation for consistent and high-quality youth work provision, enabling services to expand their reach and respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.
In relation to capital funding, €4.0 million will be available in 2026 - an increase of €3.5 million compared to the previous year. This marks the first time that the Youth Affairs Unit – and indeed the youth sector as a whole – has committed to a sustained capital allocation of €4 million per year through to 2030, providing long-term certainty and planning stability for youth services for the remainder of the NDP period.
This significant uplift will support targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment and digital infrastructure. Such improvements are central to ensuring that young people have access to safe, modern and inclusive spaces, reflective of contemporary youth work practice. All capital investment in the youth sector will continue to be aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) framework and forms part of the Department’s long-term approach to infrastructure planning and service development.
Work is under way within the Department to develop the approach to capital funding distribution from 2026 through to the conclusion of the NDP 2030 cycle.
This work will be guided by relevant actions in Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028. In this context it is worth noting that a number of other departments and agencies have responsibilities in relation to the provision of youth spaces. These include the departments of Children, Disability and Equality; Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the Local Authorities and ETBs.
Engagement with the youth sector and relevant stakeholders will also form a key part of this process, ensuring that investment is effectively targeted to meet identified needs at local and national levels.
