Arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth organisations and youth services.
The additional funding of €8.0 million for 2026 is comprised of €4.5 million in additional current funding and €3.5 million in additional capital funding.
This funding increase of €8 million brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and infrastructure to over €94.1 million for 2026 and represents a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding of €86.1 million available in 2025.
The additional core current funding of €4.5 million will support the existing level of service for youth organisations and youth services. This increased funding will enable youth services and providers to maintain and expand existing supports, enhance service delivery, and respond to emerging needs in local communities.
The additional capital funding of €3.5 million represents a significant increase on the 2025 capital allocation of €0.5 million. This €4.0 million youth capital fund for 2026 will enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment to ensure safe, modern and inclusive spaces for young people. Capital investment in the youth sector will be aligned with the National Development Plan framework and forms part of the department’s approach to long-term infrastructure planning and service development.
As the Deputy will know, Ireland will host the EU presidency in the latter half of 2026. This will include a strong focus on youth, and in addition to the above core subhead funding, provision has been made separately for costs associated with the youth elements of the presidency.
