Secure youth work in Budget 2027

Use this toolkit to contact your local representatives and help protect youth work services in your community.

The ask

€27.3 million

To secure the foundations of youth work services nationwide

NYCI and our members are calling for an additional €27.3 million in Budget 2027 to ensure existing youth work services remain viable, well resourced and available to the young people who rely on them.

This includes:

€13.5 million
A 15% increase in Existing Levels of Service funding to respond to rising costs and real-term funding erosion.

€13.75 million
Additional capital investment for safe, accessible and fit-for-purpose youth spaces in communities.

Key message:
This is not an expansion ask. It is about protecting what already exists.

Why this matters

Youth work gives young people the relationships, spaces and opportunities they need to grow and thrive.

It supports young people to:

  • Build confidence
  • Develop skills
  • Strengthen relationships
  • Feel connected to their communities

When youth work is secure, young people benefit and communities are stronger for all of us.

What is at risk

Youth work services are being asked to do more with less.

Without stable funding, services may have to:

  • Reduce opening hours
  • Cut programmes
  • Create longer waiting lists
  • Turn young people away

This would affect young people, families and communities across Ireland

Why now?

Budget 2027 is a key moment to secure the foundations of youth work.

The Government’s national strategy, Opportunities for Youth, sets out ambitions to strengthen youth work access, quality, visibility and sustainability.

But these ambitions cannot be delivered while existing services are financially fragile.

Stable baseline and capital investment are needed to turn policy ambition into real outcomes for young people.

Take action in 2 steps

You do not need to be a budget expert to take action. Your everyday experience of youth work is powerful evidence.

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 and Senators and ask to meet them, either online or in person.

Tell them you want to discuss the need to protect and support youth work in your constituency in Budget 2027.

Where possible, invite young people from your service to take part and share their experiences.

Find your local representatives >
Get a template email invite you can send to your TD >

Step 2: Ask them to act

Ask your TDs and Senators to support NYCI’s Budget 2027 funding ask.

You can ask them to:

  • Write to Ministers Naughton, Harris and Chambers in support of NYCI’s funding ask
  • Raise the issue with their party spokesperson on youth
  • Raise youth work funding at parliamentary party meetings
  • Speak about the importance of youth work funding in the Dáil or Seanad
  • Submit a Parliamentary Question, Topical Issue or Commencement Matter

These are simple, practical ways representatives can champion youth work before Budget 2027.

View talking points >

Key message for representatives

Youth work changes lives, but services need stable funding to remain open, accessible and present for young people.

Budget 2027 must invest €27.3 million to secure the foundations of youth work services nationwide.

Resources

Use these resources to support your advocacy:

Email template >

Copy, paste and adapt a message to your TDs and Senators.

Budget 2027 One-pager >

Share a short summary of the Budget 2027 ask with decision makers. (Also available as Gaeilge)

See our full Pre-Budget Submission >

Use these key messages in meetings, emails and local conversations.

How to talk about youth work in Ireland >

Our FrameWorks UK guide on ‘How to talk about youth work in Ireland’ is also available, to help you speak confidently about the impact of youth work. It’s a useful tool when meeting with politicians.

Template Email Invite

Dear Deputy X,

I am writing to you on behalf of [Your Organisation], a local youth work organisation dedicated to [briefly describe your mission]. Our work has positively impacted the lives of many young people in our community by [provide specific examples or data].

Youth work plays a crucial role in fostering the development and well-being of young people in our community. By providing safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities for personal growth, youth work helps to build resilient, confident, and engaged citizens.

We invite you to visit our service to witness firsthand the positive impact we have on the lives of young people. Your visit will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of youth work, informing your efforts in the Oireachtas to support and enhance youth work.
We believe that with your support, we can further enhance our programmes and reach even more young people.

If you would be interested in coming to meet us and local young people, and to discuss how we can work together to support youth work in our community, you can get in touch [contact details/ways you can arrange a visit/dates and times that ye meet etc]

Thank you for your time and consideration and we look forward to engaging with you.

Best wishes,

Help make youth work visible

Youth work must be visible in everyday policy conversations and funding decisions.

Use this toolkit to add your voice locally and nationally, and help ensure Budget 2027 secures the foundations young people and communities depend on.

Take Action >