Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
127. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to provide increased dedicated capital funding for youth work organisations, many of which are operating in aging, unsafe, and inaccessible buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40773/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this important issue regarding capital investment in youth work facilities and recognising the vital importance of safe, accessible places and spaces for young people.
As the Deputy will be aware, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding was made available to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment supports the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 - 2028 and reflects a strong commitment to ensuring all young people can access high-quality, inclusive supports in their communities. A key element of this enhanced investment is the significant increase in dedicated capital funding for youth services.
Importantly, €4 million will be available for capital investment in 2026, representing an increase of €3.5 million on the previous year. This also marks the first time the youth sector will benefit from a sustained annual capital allocation of €4 million through to 2030, providing much-needed certainty for forward planning.
This increased capital funding will support essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment and digital infrastructure, helping to ensure that services are delivered in safe, modern and accessible environments for young people.
Work is currently underway within the department to finalise the 2026 Youth Capital Plan, with the scheme expected to be launched in the near future. In parallel, 2026 will serve as an important scoping and preparation year for the wider youth capital programme under the National Development Plan to 2030, including building relationships with key external stakeholders. Youth participation will also be a key element of this planning process. Engagement with the youth sector more broadly will ensure that investment is targeted at areas of greatest need.
