Resource centres receive funding boost of €110,000

FUNDING OF €109,956 has been made available for Family Resource Centres in Co. Wexford in a ‘oneoff’ funding scheme being provided through Tusla.

The newly announced scheme will see a total of €2.1m pumped into resource centres around the country for the purpose of funding small works and upgrading equipment. Wexford is receiving the sixth highest sum behind counties like Dublin, Cork, Donegal, Kerry and Galway.

In addition to the €2.1 million, additional funding of up to €10,000 will be made available to each of the existing 109 Family Resource Centres for operational requirements.

Speaking about the grants, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone said: ‘In every part of the country I have seen first hand the work of Family Resource Centres. These community hubs not only offer a chance to socialise they are also provide vital information and supports, often when a person is going through a time of crisis.

This work deserves Government support. Now I am delighted to join with Tusla to honour a commitment to immediately increase funding.’

Fred McBride, Chief Executive of Tusla, welcomed the increase in funding, noting the vital role family resource centres played in their local community. THE PHENOMENAL success of the annual ‘Dip in the Nip’ is continuing as organiser Eileen Rowe recently presented a cheque for €25,000 to the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy.

In total, the three dips to date have raised over €57,000 for charities in Wexford.

The Dip, which has fast become a popular event, took place in August on Rosslare Beach and saw 230 bare all and brave the refreshing temperature of the Irish Sea! Of the €25,000 raised this year, €13,000 of that came in on the morning of the event. The Hope Centre was present on the day to oversee collection, with Crimewatch and the Gardai present for security.

Ms. Rowe said that many counties had taken ownership of the Dip now but, to date, Wexford had the biggest one.

‘There’s a huge feel-good factor about it. People laugh, they cry but they have great fun doing it.’

She thanked everyone who had supported the event in any way.