Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2012
297. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will consider an application for funding under the dormant accounts fund 2010 for establishment of new youth cafe facilities for Limerick Youth Service (details supplied). [49342/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, I announced last week that €2.25 million in capital funding would be made available for youth cafés, youth projects and play and recreation initiatives between now and the end of 2013.
In 2012, €500,000 will be provided for the development of a number of youth cafés which had applied for previous youth café funding schemes. €1.75 million will be provided in a new capital funding programme for 2013. This will include €1.5 million for youth cafés and youth projects and €250,000 for play and recreation initiatives in 2013. My Department will be announcing further details regarding the application process for the 2013 funding programme in the coming weeks.
Funding of some €1.7 million has been provided to date for the development of youth cafés and it is estimated that between 75-100 youth café facilities now operate across the State. These facilities are proving hugely beneficial to local communities in terms of broader engagement with young people. In addition, my Department supports a range of youth services and volunteer-led youth groups which offer similar resources and spaces for young people locally.
I understand that Limerick Youth Service applied for funding under the previous Youth Café scheme but was unsuccessful at that time. I have been advised that Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the Youth Café scheme on my Department's behalf, will be in contact with Limerick Youth Service in relation to its application in the context of the funding available in 2012.
