Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
344. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the sources of funding available within her Department from which organisations can seek funding to develop youth centres; the level of funding provided through this source in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51072/26]
View answerAs 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.
There has been a significant increase in dedicated capital funding for the youth sector which will be aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) framework. This framework marks the first time that the youth sector has had clear visibility and certainty regarding capital funding over a multi-year period.
Under the NDP, youth capital funding of €4.0 million will be available annually to support the youth sector from 2026 to 2030. The 2026 capital allocation represents a significant increase of €3.5 million on the 2025 allocation and an enhancement on the annual youth capital allocations of recent years.
Importantly, establishing a defined youth capital envelope under the NDP provides a predictable basis for planning, allowing the youth sector to prepare projects in a structured and strategic way. It also supports value for money and a coherent long-term development of youth facilities nationally.
Work is currently underway within the department to finalise the 2026 youth capital funding scheme. In parallel, 2026 will serve as an important scoping and preparation year for the wider youth capital programme under the NDP 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that in 2025, capital funding of €500,000 was made available to the youth sector for the set-up costs of UBU funded organisations newly established over the course of 2025 (€158,477) and to the national youth organisations (€341,520) to support the purchase of essential equipment and the completion of minor works.
