Alánna O’Brien and Sonya Naumova, both of Galway city, met with TDs and representatives in Dublin to highlight the urgent need for increased Government investment in youth work services in Budget 2027.
Louis O’Hara TD, John Connolly TD, Senator Shane Curley, representatives from the offices of Peter Roche TD, and Minister Seán Canney were at the event at the Buswells Hotel, Dublin.
The event, organised by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI ), brought together young people, youth workers and volunteers from across Ireland to speak directly to their local Oireachtas members about the impact of youth work in their lives and communities.
Sonya Naumova said: “Young people in Galway have so much to say, and today we make sure someone is listening. Youth work is the backbone of our communities, and it deserves real investment. ‘Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí’ - praise the youth and they will flourish.”
Alánna O’Brien added, “Youth work is transformative for young people, and it’s great to see politicians engaging with this sector.”
NYCI is calling on Government to invest an additional €27.3 million in youth work in Budget 2027 to secure the foundations of youth work services across Ireland.
According to the NYCI, the investment would help stabilise existing services and support safe, accessible youth spaces in communities across Ireland.
A survey of NYCI members highlights the growing pressure facing youth work services across Ireland. Nearly 77% of respondents said they were concerned about having enough funding to provide services over the next 12 months, while 85% reported increased demand in the last six months.
Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI, said:
“Youth work provides young people with the relationships, spaces and opportunities they need to grow and thrive, building stronger communities for all of us.
“Right now, youth work services across Ireland are under real pressure from rising costs and limited resources.”
The event was part of NYCI’s #YouthWorkersChangeLives campaign, which highlights the power of youth work and calls on Government to invest in youth work services in Budget 2027.
It was hosted by the NYCI Local Champions initiative, supported by Community Foundation Ireland, which aims to amplify the voices of young people and showcase the transformative power of youth work locally and nationally.
More information about the campaign is available on youth.ie
