As I previously advised the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 337 of 22 May 2001, I met with representatives from Carlow Regional Youth Service to discuss their proposal for a central youth facility for Carlow town, in the context of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund – YPFSF. The development group for the YPFSF in Carlow, which includes representation for the Carlow Regional Youth Services, had made a submission to the National Assessment Committee, NAC, of the YPFSF late last year for the development of a central youth facility for the town and for advice on how best to progress the project. They were informed at that time that no additional funding would be available from the current phase of the YPFSF, outside of their existing allocation. The second phase of the fund is due to commence in late 2002.
The Deputy should note that the development group made a further submission to the NAC in April seeking permission to use some of the funding allocated to them to develop the necessary plans to secure planning permission for their proposed youth facility. Following a meeting between representatives of the development group and the NAC in May this proposal was approved and the decision was communicated to the Carlow development group.
