Local Fine Gael TD, Frances Fitzgerald, is calling on local youth projects and services to apply for the newly opened €2 million Capital Grant Scheme operated by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
“I am thrilled that Government has approved a Capital Funding Scheme for those small projects such as the purchasing of equipment and upgrading of facilities in youth services. While these might appear to be minor projects, they can make all the difference in providing quality services to our young people.
“As a local TD, I know the valuable work done by our Youth Services in the Clondalkin and Lucan areas. As a former Minister for Children, I also know the financial demands on these services and the capital projects that are sacrificed to ensure that their monies can be focussed on providing services and supports to young people,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald clarified details of the scheme, stating: “Eligible local services will be invited by their Education and Training Board (ETB) to apply for support and the scheme will be open for applications by the end of April. The Capital funding scheme is open to applications from Department of Children and Youth Affairs funded projects under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, Youth Information Centres, Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund and Local Drugs Task Force.
“This is a Government that is committed to supporting young people; whether through education, opportunities or facilities such as sports amenities or youth services. In 2018, Government will spend €61.5m in current and capital funding in clubs, services and supports for young people. Today’s announcement follows the €1.79m in current funding announced for volunteer led youth clubs earlier this month.
“Schemes like this enable our fantastic services to keep delivering for our young people and enable them to access opportunities in life. I would encourage all eligible clubs and services to look into the scheme and see if it can help them in their important work,” concluded Fitzgerald.
