The Government has awarded €125,000 to Laois County Council to be allocated to create a space for teenagers.
Laois County Council worked with Laois Comhairle na nÓg (Youth Council) to submit a project to address recreational needs of teenagers.
Laois received €125,000, which is the maximum grant available and the project is set for the Peoples’ Park in Portlaoise.
The project title is: ‘Giving Young People the Sun, Moon and Stars’ and this will result in a new area constructed to provide a meeting space for teenagers where they ‘can hang out together and carry out activities in good and safe facilities’.
Laois is one of only two local authorities nationwide to receive the maximum €125,000 grant, as part of a total fund of €500,000 going to seven local authorities.
Local TDs Sean Fleming and Willie Aird welcomed the funding announcement.
Deputy Fleming said: “This is welcome news for teenagers, and I want to thank all involved for making such an excellent application.”
Deputy Aird added: “It is recognised that more play and recreation amenities, such as social ‘hang out’ spaces and multi use games areas (MUGAs), are required for teenagers due to the increase in population and lower number of facilities for them.
“The department secured Dormant Accounts funding this year to allow authorities to develop the teenage specific spaces in consultation with teenagers themselves.”
