Laois Offaly young people getting the lowest funding in Ireland

Laois and Offaly are bottom of the list for national funding to support young people, and they have been so for years.

That is despite Laois having one of the youngest populations in Ireland, with over 21% of the population under 24 years.

The LOETB has been trying to get the Minister for Education and Youth to meet them and hear why they deserve more money.

Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) first asked Minister for children Roderic O'Gorman in the last Government, and now are pleading with the new Minister, Helen McEntee TD.

Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley is chair of the LOETB Youthwork committee.

She highlighted the poor funding, speaking at the March meeting of Laois County Council.

"We are bottom for funding for youth in the country. They are trying to highlight this. They tried to get a meeting with the Minister for Education and Youth when it was Roderick O' Gorman. I ask you to send a letter to the new Minister, Helen McEntee to request her to meet a deputation. Offaly have done the same.

"We're the fastest growing population and one of the youngest. To be at the bottom is a shame. We have to try and keep this on the radar," she said.

Director of Services Carmel McNicholl agreed.

"We'll be fully supportive in your request to meet the Minister," she said.

The funding pays for the work of YouthWork Ireland Laois, who organise the Electric Youth competition for Electric Picnic. It also covers Laois School of Music. 

In a funding statement, LOETB outlined the unfairness of funding to their youth services.

"The total funding for LOETB Youth Services in 2021 was €427,253. This was almost €300,000 less than the second lowest region receiving €706,988.

"At that time this equated to €13.68 per person between the ages of 10 and 24 years, representing 69% less than the average of €43.84 per person across all 16 ETBs.

"In 2024, LOETB administered €693,057 in funding across Laois and Offaly, equating to €19.57 per Young Person 10-24 years.

"Despite having one of the highest percentages of young people 10-24 years in the state i.e. 20.7%/36,275 (Census 2022), and the very welcomed increase in funding over the 3 years, LOETB Youth Services have consistently received the lowest level of youth work funding compared to the other 15 ETBs," they say.

Linda Tynan is LOETB Director of Schools (Including Youth and Music).

"It is essential that all stakeholders deliver in ensuring there is a positive outcome in terms of increased funding to cater for the expressed needs of the young people in Laois and Offaly. We are hopeful that we will receive the full support of all stakeholders in this regard," she said.

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Joe Thompson is the LOETB Youth Development Officer.

“Young People have clearly articulated real concerns in relation to levels of anxiety, stress, cost-of-living, transport, social media and are calling for youth-focused spaces, mental health service, access to transport and choice of activities within their communities. Young People have given a clear mandate to those of us in position of influence and authority. Now, let us make it happen.” he said.