86. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has assessed the level of capital investment actually required to meet current and projected youth population needs; if that assessment and data can be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51906/26]

87. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm whether the €4 million annual youth capital allocation will be converted into a multi-annual capital funding given that single-year allocations cannot support construction, refurbishment or acquisition of youth facilities; and if not, the way in which her Department expects youth organisations to deliver capital projects under one-year funding cycles. [51907/26]

90. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has engaged with the OPW on the number of vacant sites in the state that could potentially be used for youth organisations and community use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51910/26]

92. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the plans in place to develop youth-specific infrastructure, such as youth cafés and hang-out spaces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51912/26]

94. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she supports the establishment of a cross-government youth infrastructure unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51914/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 87, 90, 92 and 94 together.

Arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding was made available to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment supports the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 - 2028 and reflects a strong commitment to ensuring all young people can access high-quality, inclusive supports in their communities. A key element of this enhanced investment is the significant increase in dedicated capital funding for youth services.

The National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030 places a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity. Capital investment of €4 million will be made available to the youth sector in 2026, representing an increase of €3.5 million on the previous year. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan funding of €20 million for the youth sector over the period 2026 to 2030 marks the first time the sector will benefit from a sustained annual capital allocation of €4 million providing long-term certainty and planning stability for youth services for the remainder of the NDP period.

The increased funding will support both operational delivery and infrastructure improvements across the youth sector. It will enable services to maintain and expand tailored supports for young people, while also facilitating essential upgrades to facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure where appropriate.

The strategic direction for youth services will be guided by the Opportunities for Youth framework, with a particular focus on Strategic Objective 2, and Actions 10 and 13:

• Objective 2: Young people are able to meaningfully shape the content of youth work services, schemes and policy.

• Action 10: Develop and implement a policy for youth spaces and facilities at a local level.

• Action 13: Ensure provision for suitable indoor and outdoor spaces for young people and provide support for such spaces through relevant infrastructure and community development schemes.

The overarching vision is to ensure that all young people have access to safe, inclusive, fit-for-purpose spaces that support meaningful engagement, development, and participation. This additional investment represents a significant step toward achieving that vision and reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to creating environments where young people can thrive.

The implementation of Opportunities for Youth, and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, will be supported through a new Interdepartmental and Interagency Group on State-funded Youth Work Services. In this context it is worth noting that various stakeholders have responsibilities in relation to the provision of youth spaces and youth facilities.

The aim of the Interdepartmental and Interagency Group will be to develop a renewed and whole-of-government vision for the role of state-funded youth work services, including the role of youth work within the wider landscape of provision for children and young people. In turn this will improve coherence and complementarity across schemes and ensure a joined-up approach to supporting young people. This group will comprise relevant departments and state agencies that provide support or funding to youth services, to achieve greater cooperation, coherence and, where appropriate, integration of services.

This will be an important enabler for the further development of a shared understanding of the State’s vision for youth work services in the context of the evolving needs of young people.

Work is ongoing within the department to finalise the approach to capital funding distribution from 2026 through to the conclusion of the NDP 2030 cycle, including building relationships with key external stakeholders including in central and local government. Youth participation will also be a key element of this planning process. This collaborative and inclusive approach will support the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based capital plan.