Take Action for Youth Work Budget 2026 Toolkit for NYCI Members
Help us grow and protect youth work in Budget 2026
NYCI and our members are calling for a €21.3 million increase in Government investment in youth work in Budget 2026.
Add your voice and meet with your local TDs and Senators to ask for their support – when constituents speak, politicians listen.
Our ask for Budget 2026
Our ambition, agreed by NYCI members, is to:
- Expand access to youth work across more communities
- Protect existing services from cuts and ensure they’re sustainable
- Secure capital funding for youth spaces and facilities
Budget 2026 in numbers
€21.3 million total investment needed
- 20% increase in Existing Level of Services (ELS) funding
- €2.1 million to reach more young people
- €2 million for capital investment (outside of the National Development Plan)
This funding would help make sure youth services are resilient, inclusive, and available to every young person who needs them.
What we’re asking you to do
We need you to contact your local TDs and Senators and ask for their support.
We’ve made it as easy as possible for you to take action. Here’s how:
Step 1: Set up a meeting
Contact your local TDs or Senators and ask to meet – either online or in person.
Let them know you’d like to talk about the need to protect and expand youth work in their constituency in Budget 2026.
If possible, invite young people from your service to join and share their experiences.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
Step 2: Ask them to take action
During or after your meeting, ask your TDs and Senators to:
- Write to Ministers McEntee, Chambers and Donohoe in support of NYCI’s funding ask and the need for youth places and spaces in the National Development plan
- Raise the issue with their party spokesperson on youth, or at parliamentary party meetings
- Raise the importance of funding youth work in their constituency in the Dáil or Seanad
- Submit a Parliamentary Question, Topical Issue or Commencement Matter
These are simple, effective ways they can champion youth work in the lead-up to Budget 2026.
Why your voice matters
Youth workers, young people and local organisations have powerful stories. When you share them, you help TDs see the real impact of youth work.
And when people from every constituency speak up, it sends a strong message:
Ireland supports youth work.
Need help?
If you need support arranging a meeting or tailoring your letter, we’re here to help.
Contact our Campaigns Manager, Grace McManus: Grace@nyci.ie