Written answer
Youth Work Supports
102. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth when arrangements for the youth capital funding scheme for 2026 will be finalised and released; if funding will be released under the youth capital funding scheme for 2026 have to be drawn down and spent within the 2026 calendar year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53907/26]
Comment on this
The Department of Education and Youth is committed to supporting the delivery of high-quality youth work and non-formal developmental opportunities to young people.
In this regard, there has been a significant increase in dedicated capital funding for the youth sector which will be aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) framework. Youth capital funding of €4.0 million will be available annually to support the youth sector from 2026 to 2030. This annual capital allocation represents a significant increase of €3.5 million on the 2025 allocation and an enhancement on the annual youth capital allocations of recent years.
Work is currently underway within the department to finalise the details of the 2026 youth capital funding scheme. The €4.0 million funding available in 2026 will be utilised to support the purchase of essential equipment, upgrades to youth facilities and digital infrastructure for youth organisations and youth services.
When the 2026 youth capital funding scheme has been finalised and approved in the coming weeks, applicant organisations will be notified of the specific details of the capital scheme for 2026 including the arrangements for the drawdown of funding and requirements in relation to expenditure of approved capital funding. Clear guidance documentation on the operation of the scheme and application documentation will also be provided.
In parallel with the finalisation of the 2026 youth capital funding scheme, 2026 will serve as an important scoping and preparation year for the wider youth capital programme under the NDP to 2030, including building relationships with key external stakeholders.
Youth participation will also be a key element of this planning process. Engagement with the youth sector more broadly will ensure that investment is targeted at areas of greatest need.