€2.8m to be spent on youth and children's services in Cork

MORE than €2.8m is being provided to children and young people groups in Cork for the next year.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone was in Cork today where she said local and community services in the City and County will receive a 5.5% increase in funding.

Speaking at the Togher Youth Development Centre the Independent Minister said: “Sport, boatbuilding, arts as well as those projects preventing children and young people from falling into trouble will all enjoy increased support as a result of this announcement. The money is being targeted at those areas which have the youngest populations."

"Togher, Mahon, Knocknaheeny and the Glen have some of the best youth services in the country – all will see increases in their annual funding with substantial grants. This work deserves Government support and I am glad to be rowing back on the cutbacks of the past."

The Department also agreed further increasing support for projects such as the boat building at Meitheal Mara, Ballyphehane Action for Youth and the Guranabraher Arts Programme.

The Alliance Sexual Health Centre Helpline, Matt Talbot Services and the Cork Simon Community are also among groups which will benefit from increased funding.

"This is my second visit to Cork as Minister. I am greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm of the young people I meet, the commitment of youth leaders and the impact the work which my Department is funding has on the wider community."

"We are preparing the leaders of the future who will make an impact in the world of politics, business, arts, sport and so much more."

Across Ireland, the Government is providing €57.3m in funding to youth services during the current year. Some of this will also go to national organisations which are also working on the ground in Cork such as Scouting Ireland, Foróige and the National Youth Council.