Irish Youth Club Funding Increased

Funding for Irish youth clubs has been increased by 12% this year, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone has announced.

The increased funding will bring the overall allocation for the scheme to over €2m and will provide small volunteer-led youth clubs with greater capacity to reach more young people during 2019.

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports youth work activities at a local level by providing grant aid towards the cost of running clubs and groups and is part funded by the proceeds from the National Lottery.

The scheme is open to over 1,600 youth groups and clubs, with an estimated 90,000 club members around the country. The primary focus of the scheme is to assist volunteer led youth clubs that provide a programme of youth work activities for young people. Clubs that work with young people but are not specifically providing youth work may also be eligible to apply under the scheme.

These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through the local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The scheme, which is open to new entrants, will be advertised locally and applications for funding will be invited by the ETBs from local groups in their respective areas. Each ETB will be advertising the scheme on their website over the coming months.

Minister Zappone expressed confidence that the additional monies being allocated would positively impact on the lives of young people.

She said: "In every part of the country which I have had the opportunity to visit, I have seen at first hand the important impact that youth clubs have on local communities and the lives of young people who attend these clubs. These clubs are providing adventure, activities and opportunities for our young people.

"The impact of small clubs working on the ground is huge, reaching practically every community in the country – and is deserving of Government support.

"Through their efforts young people are developing their talents, skills and experiences which will make them leaders of the future.

"This additional funding will mean a greater volume of volunteer-led youth activities over the next year, which is a priority for my Department. I encourage every volunteer club or group to check locally for application details and see how it can benefit their work."