Donegal youth organisation to receive over 40k in funding

A Donegal youth organisation will receive over €40,000 in funding.

Foróige South Donegal is being funded with €41,943 through the Youth Capital Funding Scheme 2026.

Foróige operates active youth clubs, support projects, and drop-in spaces across South Donegal, including the South West Donegal Youth Project and Drop-in Centre in Killybegs, Ballyshannon / Bundoran Youth Support Project.

Youth Work Ireland North Connacht has also been awarded €74,200 to support improvements in youth service infrastructure, accessibility, transport and digital resources.

Minister Marian Harkin TD commends funding investment for youth services in South Donegal and North Connacht

Minister Marian Harkin TD has commended the announcement by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton of capital funding for national youth organisations, including significant allocations for Foróige South Donegal and Youth Work Ireland North Connacht.

“I commend Minister Naughton on this important investment in youth services, which will make a real and lasting difference for young people throughout South Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and the wider North Connacht region,” Minister Harkin said. “Youth organisations provide invaluable opportunities for young people to learn, develop confidence, build friendships and engage positively in their communities.

“This funding will help ensure that these organisations have the facilities, equipment and resources necessary to continue delivering high-quality programmes and supports.

“I am particularly pleased to see funding allocated to Foróige South Donegal and Youth Work Ireland North Connacht. Both organisations have a strong track record of supporting young people and creating opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential.”

The funding supports the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services, particularly Action 13, which aims to ensure young people have access to suitable indoor and outdoor spaces through continued investment in youth service infrastructure.

The investment will also support the development of safer, more accessible and better-equipped youth facilities, while addressing transport challenges through the provision of minibuses for services in both rural and urban communities.

Minister Harkin added: “For many young people, especially those living in rural areas, access to youth services can be limited by distance and transport barriers. This investment will help organisations reach more young people and ensure that nobody is excluded from participating because of where they live.

“The funding will also strengthen digital capacity and improve communal spaces and facilities, helping youth organisations provide even greater opportunities for learning, participation and personal development.

“Investing in our young people is one of the most important investments we can make. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have in communities across the region in the years ahead.”

The funding forms part of a wider programme of investment in youth infrastructure and services and is designed to ensure young people have access to safe, inclusive and well-equipped spaces where they can participate, learn new skills and thrive.