It has been announced that €0.8m in funding is to be allocated, under the Expansion of the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF), to the four new towns of Arklow, Athone, Dundalk and Wexford.

Projects in Athlone are set to receive €86,504, Dundalk is to receive €74,784 to fund projects such as the Coxes Demesne Youth & Community Project, Arklow will receive €225,000 towards the Inbhear Mór Youth & Sports Facility and Wexford town shall receive €100,127 to fund a Hospital Area Facility and the Southend Family Resource Centre. Dublin’s North Inner City Development Group and the Cabra/Finglas area will also receive €119,585 and €180,000 respectively.

According to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the fund sets out to attract at risk young people and to support the development of targeted preventative strategies in an attempt to divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse.