Athlone youth projects are set to benefit to the tune of €62,140 in capital grants. News of the funding was announced this week by Longford-Westmeath Independent Deputy, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.
The funding is broken into two different strands. Type One funding will provide for the upgrade or replacement of equipment, or the purchase of essential equipment to support the running of the project or organisation.
Type Two funding will fund health and safety improvements to premises or the upgrade or refurbishment of premises. This includes the purchase and installation of kitchen and toilet facilities or improvements to enable access for young people with disabilities, including those with physical or sensory disabilities.
Of the total sum, the Gateway Project located at St Mary’s Hall on Northgate Street has been allocated a total of €55,840. This is broken into €6,929 in Type One funding which will service the purchase of a whiteboard, furniture, and IT equipment, and €48,911 in Type Two funding which will aid the construction of a lift and upgrades to the premises.
The Athlone Youth and Community Project located on Pump Lane is to receive €6,300 in Type One funding for the purchase of kitchen equipment, furniture, and IT and games equipment.
News of the grants has been warmly welcomed by Deputy Moran who says the money will make “a real difference” to the lives of young people in the constituency.
“These grants will play a vital role in improving the quality of services to our young people in the region,” Deputy Moran said. “In particular, they will improve the physical facilities available. The overall provision of almost €2m in grants underscores the Government’s commitment to enhance the quality of services which add such value to our communities.”
Speaking about the funding, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, praised the role youth officers play in the co-ordination of youth service provision to her Department. “They act as a contact point in their respective localities and play an important support role to the providers of youth services,” she said.
