Two Clare youth organisations have been allocated close to €100,000 by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Ninety four grants were awarded to eighty six youth projects across Ireland with two Clare centres to receive funding from the Department. Clare Youth Service will receive €49,169 while the Scouting Ireland National Water Activity Centre in Killaloe will get €49,630.
Much needed assistance will be provided to youth services under this capital funding scheme which was split into two categories. Type One will provide for the upgrade or replacement of equipment or the purchase of essential equipment to support the running of the project or organisation. Type Two will fund health and safety improvements to premises or the upgrade or refurbishment of premises, including the purchase and installation of kitchen and toilet facilities or improvements to enable access to young people with disabilities, including those with physical or sensory disabilities.
As a result the headquarters of the Clare Youth Service located on Carmody St, Ennis will be renovated. Since its formation in 1969, Clare Youth Service has worked with over 250,000 young people.
In Killaloe, the Scouting Ireland National Water Activity Centre will put the funds towards access improvements at their East Clare premises.
Making the announcement, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone stated “I am delighted to be in a position to announce the allocation of these grants to the 86 successful applicants. As in previous years, I am confident the grants will assist in improving the quality of the services to the benefit of young people involved. In particular, they will improve the physical facilities available to these young people. The provision of almost €2m in grants underscores the Government’s commitment to enhance the quality of services which add such value to our communities.”
She thanked Youth Officers in local education and training boards for their work in supporting local youth projects and their assistance to his Department in the operation of this scheme. Minister Zappone stated that “Youth Officers play an essential role in the co-ordination of youth service provision to my Department. They act as a contact point in their respective localities and play important support role to the providers of youth services.”
Fine Gael TD Joe Carey commented “Both organisations play a crucial role in supporting young people throughout the country. It is hugely important that the Government continues to acknowledge their work and provide funding so that they can maintain and in some cases expand their services.
“We are working hard in Government to ensure that our recovering economy is used in the right way. This means making sure that everyone benefits, particularly vulnerable people or those who need extra support”.