Fine Gael Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, has said that he has reviewed other sources of funding opportunities to make up the shortfall of €68,000 required to complete the initial phase of The Hive – Kildare’s Youth Hub.

“This is an extremely important project for Kildare Town and County Kildare Youth services. A lot of individuals and groups have invested huge time and effort into getting it this far.  I do not want to see the project stall at this critical stage.  Following the confirmation last week that an additional €68,000 would be needed to complete this phase of the youth hub, I reviewed alternative sources of funds to see what is available.

“The Kildare Youth Hub are now applying for a Youth Capital Funding Scheme from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.  The fund is open to Department funded projects and is being administered locally by Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) on behalf of the Department.

“I have spoken to KWETB, Kildare County Council and representatives of the Youth Hub this week and I am happy that the application will be submitted before the closing date of 27th February.  I will continue to liaise with all parties in the coming weeks to try and find a satisfactory conclusion to this funding impasse and see this important youth project completed in Kildare town.