Independent TD, Thomas Pringle, has pressed the government on what it will do to support youth services in Donegal following difficulties since Covid.
Addressing the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, today, Deputy Pringle said youth services are a lifeline for many communities in the county.
“There are many towns and villages throughout the county where the only facility available to locals is the local parish hall,” he stressed.
“You can imagine then just how important this hall is, particularly for young people.”
Deputy Pringle said youth clubs are often the sole place for socialisation outside of school and provide an important and safe space for young people to develop and to come together with their peers.
“They give young people a sense of belonging and pride in their community,” he added.
“Unfortunately, since Covid, youth services in Donegal have experienced many difficulties. Having spoken to youth club leaders, two of the main issues are ensuring the sufficient number of volunteers to run the service and providing transport for young people to actually reach the service when it is running.
“We need to address these issues immediately. Our youth services are far too important and we can’t afford to lose them.”
Deputy Pringle said one of the suggestions put forward was to encourage Ukrainian refugees in the community, with an interest in youth work and community development, to consider volunteering.
“But that will not solve the entire problem,” he said.
“What will you do to ensure that youth services in Donegal are able to keep providing those services?”
In his response, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, thanked Deputy Pringle for raising the important issue. He said he would ask Minister O’Gorman to get back to Deputy Pringle directly.
