Ardara man Peter McNelis meets Donegal TDs to increase investment in youth work

Peter McNelis from Ardara met with TDs Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Charles Ward at a special event in Dublin to highlight the urgent need for increased Government funding for youth work services in Budget 2026.

The event, organised by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), brought together young people and youth workers from across Ireland to speak directly to their local TDs about the impact of youth work in their lives and communities. 

NYCI is calling for an additional €21.3 million for youth work in Budget 2026. This includes: a 20 per cent increase in core funding to sustain existing services, €2.1 million to extend access to youth work for more young people and €2 million in capital funding for youth spaces in communities nationwide.

According to a recent NYCI survey of its members, almost 90 per cent of youth organisations were worried about keeping services going, and 1 in 5 had to cut activities. Demand for youth work increased, but 75 per cent said they didn’t have the resources to meet it. Staffing was a major issue too – 84 per cent said costs were a top concern, and three in four had trouble filling vacant posts.  

Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI, said: “We know that young people need us, and we are ready to rise to the challenge. With increased investment we can continue to strengthen our communities, offering young people the spaces and opportunities to build relationships, develop skills and increase their confidence.

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“Youth work changes lives – and this campaign shows that people in every part of the country support it. We’re asking all TDs to back this funding call in Budget 2026 and ensure young people and youth workers get the support they need.” 

The event is part of NYCI’s #YouthWorkersChangeLives campaign, which highlights the power of youth work and calls on Government to act in the upcoming Budget. It is hosted by the NYCI Local Champions, an initiative supported by the Community Foundation Ireland that aims to amplify the voices of young people and showcase the transformative power of youth work locally and nationally. 

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said: “The Local Champions network is giving young people a platform to share their voices and show how youth work changes lives - and this meeting with local TDs is a powerful example of that in action. 

“These empowered young voices are essential if Community Foundation Ireland is to achieve its mission of Equality for All in Thriving Communities. That’s why we’re proud to partner with NYCI on this initiative. On behalf of all our partners, including our philanthropists and supporters, I want to wish every success to all the Local Champions taking part.” 

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More information about the campaign is available on youth.ie.

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