Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has welcomed the announcement of €2.25 million in capital funding for youth cafés, youth projects and play facilities.
“The announcement of €2.25 million of capital funding for youth cafés, youth projects and play facilities is very welcome which will enable the development of important youth services.
“The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ensured that as part of the Government’s Capital Review that capital funding available for youth projects in general would increase from €0.8m in 2011 to €2.24m in 2012/2013. This funding will enable the further development of important youth projects across the country.
“Of the funding secured €2 million will be for youth cafes and youth projects. €500,000 will be provided this year with the remaining funding being made available in 2013. This will enable the further development of important amenity facilities for young people.
“It is important that society provides safe secure alcohol-free facilities for young people. We must provide a safe environment for them to relax and socialise. This funding will allow the development of youth projects and youth cafés which meet these needs.
“Across Cork there are a number of very successful youth cafés, providing a venue for young people to meet and socialise. The successful location of these youth cafés is often down to the voluntary efforts of adults in the local area. These efforts ensure that young people have somewhere safe to socialise and mix with others their own age. Everyone involved in youth cafés and youth projects in their communities deserve praise for their invaluable efforts.
“Over the coming weeks details of the application process for 2013 funding will be made available by the Department of Children & Youth Affairs. I encourage those already involved in projects and those thinking about starting one to make sure that they check to see if they are eligible and to apply for funding which will help young people in Cork.”