Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon has today (Friday) highlighted the importance of sourcing funds for The Hive, County Kildare’s new youth hub. The promoters have applied for funding to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and are awaiting a decision.

“I have stressed the importance of this project to Minister Frances Fitzgerald, herself a native of Newbridge, who is very aware of the need for more youth facilities in Co. Kildare.”

“Kildare has one of the highest growing youth populations outside of Dublin which, given recent population increases, will continue to grow. Census 2011 highlighted that there are 78,000 children and young people aged 0-24 in Co. Kildare. It is imperative that investment in youth services and facilities are made to support these young people.”

“This project, situated in Kildare town, will provide facilities for youth providers and state agencies to run services alongside a general space for all Kildare youth based clubs/groups to meet. This purpose built facility will be a flagship for the entire county and fundraising is now ongoing.”

“The project has the backing of Kildare County Council, Kildare Youth Services, KWETB (VEC), Co. Kildare Leader and many other local and youth based organisations. Young people have been involved in its development from the start and I look forward to seeing it develop and I will continue to do all I can to promote it and assist in the sourcing of vital funds.”