Funding for Longford youth clubs increases by 12%

Youth clubs in the Longford/Westmeath counties are set to benefit from €52,156 in funding, Fine Gael Councillor Micheál Carrigy has confirmed.

Cllr Micheál Carrigy said: “I am delighted that Longford will benefit from a new funding increase of 12% for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme for 2019.

“The increased funding will bring the overall allocation for Longford/Westmeath to €52,156 and will provide small volunteer-led youth clubs with greater capacity to reach more young people in Longford during 2019.

Cllr Carrigy noted that the increased funding will help cover the running costs of youth programmes in the area.

He said: “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 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.”

Cllr Micheál Carrigy confirmed that the scheme is open to new entrants, with groups urged to apply.

He stated: “The scheme, which is open to new entrants, will be advertised locally and applications for funding will be invited by our Education and Training Board from local groups in their respective areas.  

“Our ETB will be advertising the scheme on its website over the coming months...The impact of small clubs working on the ground here in Longford is huge, reaching practically every community in the country – and is deserving of Government support.

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

Cllr Carrigy said the news of additional funding will only mean a higher quantity of activities can be undertaken by groups over the next twelve months.

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

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, said:“The scheme is open to over 1,600 youth groups and clubs, with an estimated 90,000 club members around the country.  

“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.”