Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor has urged youth projects in Dún Laoghaire to apply for capital grant funding which has been made available. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD, has announced the availability of €500,000 capital funding for small to medium youth projects in disadvantaged communities in 2014.

“The funding announced by Minister Reilly will be extremely useful in allowing youth projects in disadvantaged communities in Dún Laoghaire to upgrade or replace equipment. Youth projects will be able to buy new computers, sports equipment, multi-media equipment or furniture.

“These youth projects are extremely valuable to local communities; they provide an outlet for children and bring people together. The money will assist in improving the quality of the services and their facilities to the benefit of young people involved. The provision of the funding underscores the Government’s commitment to enhance the quality of services which add such value to our communities.

“A lot of energy and resources go into supporting youth projects; they are largely funded by donations and they are kept going thanks to the hard work of volunteers. I hope that all the excellent youth projects in Dún Laoghaire will apply for this funding to upgrade the services available to young people in the area.

“The capital funding scheme for small to medium grants is open to applications from Department of Children and Youth Affairs funded projects under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY), Youth Information Centres (YICs), Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) and Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF). As a once-off, exceptional measure the scheme is also open to a number of national youth organisations. I would urge all organisations to check to see if they are eligible for this funding.

“The grant scheme also calls for applications in early 2015 for capital projects related to health and safety improvements to premises such as improved access for young people with disabilities and upgrade or refurbishment of premises.

“Details of the scheme and how to apply are on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs website at www.dcya.gov.ie.”