More than €61 million in nationwide funding has been allocated for youth services for 2020, including more than €2.38 million for services in Galway and Roscommon.
I am delighted at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs’ allocation for Galway and Roscommon, which demonstrates a commitment to supporting and reforming youth services in our region.
Investment in our young people is an investment in the future. It makes sense from both an economic and social perspective.
Included in the funding is support totalling more than €11.5 million for national youth organisations, including nearly €3 million for Foróige and almost €500,000 for Macra na Feirme.
Just over €4 million has been allocated to the 16 Education Training Boards, including Galway and Roscommon, while €38.7 million has been allocated for targeted funding and more than €2.1 million has been allocated for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.
Targeted funding will be the basis of the new UBU – Your Place, Your Space Scheme, which was announced last December by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone.
UBU is aimed at young people aged between 10 and 24 who are described in the National Youth Strategy as marginalised, disadvantaged or vulnerable.