Local youth clubs to benefit from €61,386 in new Government funding

YOUTH clubs in Kilkenny and neighbouring Carlow will benefit from €61,386 in Government funding.

The funding represents a 12% increase in funding for the Local Youth Club Grand Scheme for 2019.

Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Patrick O’Neill said the increased funding will provide small volunteer-led youth clubs with greater capacity to reach more local young people this year.

“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,” he said.

“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 O’Neill, who was recently announced as Fine Gael’s third General Election candidate for the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency, said the scheme will be advertised locally.

“Applications for funding will be invited by our Education and Training Board from local groups in their respective areas,” he added.

“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 Kilkenny is huge, reaching practically every community in the country – and is deserving of Government support.

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

“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.”