Three Carlow youth projects receive €26,000 in funding

THREE youth projects in Co Carlow are to receive more than €26,000 between them to upgrade their facilities and equipment. The money is part of €71,018 in capital funding for six youth services across Carlow and Kilkenny, which in turn forms part of a €1.6 million national allocation.

All six services are funded under ‘UBU Your Place Your Space’, the government’s targeted youth funding scheme for young people aged ten to 24 who are marginalised, vulnerable or at risk.

In Carlow, the Carlow town UBU project will receive €11,974, the Tullow and environs UBU project will get €8,058 and the Bagenalstown and south Carlow UBU project will receive €6,014.

Three projects run by Ossory youth will share the remaining €44,972: the Gateway UBU project (€24,291), the Urlingford/Johnstown UBU project (€14,700) and the Rural UBU project (€5,981).

The funding is for minor works, equipment and improvements to youth facilities. It can be used for computer and digital equipment, building refurbishment, recreation equipment, safety and security works, arts and music equipment, accessibility improvements and energy efficiency measures.

Welcoming the allocation, Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny and minister of state Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said youth services give young people “safe and welcoming places to meet, build confidence, learn new skills and take part in activities in their local communities”.

“This funding will allow services to upgrade facilities, replace equipment and make practical improvements that will strengthen the work they do every day,” she said.

She congratulated the projects, adding that staff and volunteers in youth services across the two counties “do hugely important work”.