Written Answers. - Youth Facilities.
Billy Timmins
Question:
159
Mr. Timmins
asked the
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
if he will make a statement on the young people's facilities and services fund for Bray; the projects recognised and supported to date; the number of drug misusers who have availed of their advice, support and referral services on a yearly basis to date; the budget granted in each year to date; the projects proposed for 2003; the estimated costs of same; and the actual budget allocated to this task force by his Department.
[3796/03]
The young people's facilities and services fund aims to assist in the development of youth facilities, including sport and recreational facilities, and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. The objective of the fund is to attract at risk young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse.
Under the fund, Bray has been allocated an amount of €571,382 over a three-year period and funding is in place until 2004. Details of the projects for which funding was allocated follow. With respect to future funding of the projects, the national assessment committee, NAC, of the fund, which is chaired by my Department, is currently examining capital proposals submitted by the development groups under round two of the fund. Decisions on round two will be made in the light of the overall funding position for 2003.
The NAC is also examining the services projects funded under round one of the fund. The intention would be where they are found to be effective, they will be mainstreamed by enabling their on-going provision by statutory agencies. However, as Bray has funding in place until 2004, their projects will not be appraised until next year.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion has allocated €1,465,786 to support the implementation of projects under the Bray local drugs task force first action plan. In addition, Bray has been allocated an amount of €76,184 under the premises initiative.
Service ProjectsService Project 1
Little Bray Youth Project. Towards the salary and programme costs of a youth worker to develop and provide a co-ordinated, community-managed youth service for the target group in the area.
Grant Approved €114,276
Service Project 2
St. Fergal's Youth Development Project. Towards the salary and programme costs of a youth worker to develop and provide a community-based and managed youth project in Ballywaltrim which will cater for the target group in the area.
Grant Approved €114,276
Service Project 3
At Risk Youth Project. Towards costs of providing activities and life skills training to the target group in disadvantaged areas of Bray. The project aims to support and enhance the on-going work of local groups, e.g., resource centres, football clubs, homework clubs, etc., through the provision of additional specialised activities to which they would not otherwise have access.
Grant Approved €45,711
Service Project 4
Facilitation Process for Youth Service Providers. Towards the cost of a facilitation process for youth service providers in Bray which allow service providers to work together in developing an integrated strategy which will benefit youth service provision for the target group in Bray.
Grant Approved €11,428
Service Project 5
Sports Promotion Officer. Towards the salary and programme costs of a Sports Promotion Officer for the Bray area with the aim of promoting increased participation among the target group in sport and recreational activities and to support and develop sports clubs and groups catering for the target group. The Officer will be employed by Wicklow County Council in accordance with guidelines developed by the Irish Sports Council.
Grant Approved €95,230
Service Project 6Bray Emmets GAA. Towards the cost of developing a planned outreach programme for the target group and the expansion of sporting opportunities within the club for the target group.
Grant Recommended €50,790
Service Project 7
Hurling on the Green. Towards the cost of sports equipment and training fees to enable the club to provide better programmes for the target group in the area.
Grant €20,316
Service Project 8
Outdoor Pursuits. Towards the cost of providing a programme of outdoor activities and life skills training for the target group.
Grant €53,329
Service Project 9
Small Grants Fund. To support locally-based sport and youth groups with equipment and basic programme costs to provide activities and programmes for the target group.
Grant €66,026
Contact with the target group for the FundProjects in Bray began in late 2001. As their first annual report is currently being compiled, there are no figures yet available on the numbers in the target group with whom the projects have engaged. The development group are of the view that the projects are bedding down well and are engaging successfully with the target group.
