Funding Applications for key projects such as MOJO, the Strengthening Families Programme, Kilcullen Community Childcare and education supports for early Kildare school leavers were highlighted with Minister Katherine Zappone in the Dail this week by Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon.

“I reiterated to Minister Zappone the need for Kildare Youth Services to play catch up due to under investment in the past and our position as a County with one of the largest youth populations in the Country.

“The four projects that have applied for this fund are all worthwhile and proven initiatives which are already providing support and assistance to young people in Kildare.  I emphasised my support for the projects and my view that any funds awarded would be very well spent.

The projects have applied for funding under The Quality and Capacity Building Initiative (QCBI), funded under Dormant Accounts, which aims to support key groups working with children, young people and families to know what works, how it works and provide an evidence supported approach to the application of this work.

The Minister confirmed that applications are progressing through the approval process, and the aim is to notify applicants by the end of this month.

There were four applications made from County Kildare:

– Foroige  – Strengthening Families Programme Kildare and West Wicklow

– County Kildare Leader Partnership – Mojo Project to support young men

– Kildare Youth Services, Curragh Newbridge – Garda Youth Diversion project

– Kilcullen Community Childcare  & Education Centre – Breakfast and Afterschool Service Expansion