1251. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on youth service funding allocations for North Kildare, including staffing levels and facility upgrades; the status of applications submitted by local youth organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60112/26]

The Government is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the country.

The Department provides funding to the 16 ETBs nationally to support youth services, including local volunteer led clubs and targeted youth work provision within their functional areas.

Each ETB has a designated Development and Youth Officer who plays a key role in supporting the department in the coordination, administration and local governance of youth services.

ETBs are also responsible for identifying local needs and targeting resources accordingly, in line with their statutory remit.

The UBU Your Place Your Space (UBU) scheme is the department’s largest funded youth scheme, targeting young people aged between 10 and 24 years old who are identified as marginalised, vulnerable and at risk of not flourishing. It delivers evidence-informed interventions that promote soft skills, confidence, and progression into education, training, or employment, and provides the foundation for local youth organisations to deliver tailored supports that meet the needs of their communities.

The following Table sets out current funding for UBU Youth Services in Kildare:

The application process for the 2026 capital grant scheme for UBUs is ongoing.

In 2025, the Department allocated funding to establish 10 new UBU youth services nationally. Kildare and Wicklow ETB was among the 10 ETBs that received funding to establish a new UBU service in that allocation round in Newbridge Urban and Morristownbiller.

The Department is aware that the proposed provider has experienced challenges in recruiting a suitably qualified youth worker for this additional UBU service. As a result, recruitment is ongoing and the service is not yet in a position to commence full delivery as originally planned.

ETBs are now preparing for Cycle 3 of the UBU scheme (2027–2029), which will involve a reassessment and prioritisation of UBU funding based on emerging needs within each ETB’s functional area.

Should the Deputy require further information regarding local youth organisations in North Kildare, please liaise directly with Kildare and Wicklow ETB.