Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
148. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the decision-making processes within her Department on the allocation towards youth services through the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, 2026-2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there is a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan increased funding of €20 million for the youth sector was informed by the level and type of demand for capital expenditure within the sector over recent years and with a view to providing more capacity to continue targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment.
The overarching vision is to ensure that young people have access to safe, inclusive, fit-for-purpose spaces that support meaningful engagement, development, and participation.
Under the NDP, youth capital funding of €4.0 million will be available annually to support the youth sector from 2026 to 2030, representing a significant increase of €3.5 million on the 2025 allocation and an enhancement on the annual youth capital allocations of recent years.
All 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. This framework marks the first time that the youth sector has had clear visibility and certainty regarding capital funding over a multi-year period.
Importantly, establishing a defined 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.
Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 121.
