Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) welcomed Minister Helen McEntee, Minister for Education and Youth, to LOETB’s Administrative Office in Portlaoise, for the announcement that LOETB Youth Services have been successful in securing funding for a new UBU (Your Place Your Space) service.
Addressing those gathered at the LOETB Administrative Offices, including members of LOETB Board and committees, senior management team and staff, members of Laois and Offaly County Councils, local representatives, and youth organisations, the Minister confirmed that €120,000 in funding has been allocated to LOETB Youth Services.
UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme provides out-of-school supports to young people in their local communities to enable them to overcome adverse circumstances and achieve their full potential by improving their personal and social development outcomes.
The new UBU service will provide multi-annual funding to support targeted and universal youth work led supports to young people aged 10–17 years living in rural Laois, to include Mountmellick, Mountrath and Rathdowney.
Young People’s voice was central to the submission made to the Department of Education and Youth for UBU funding.
The young people consulted, clearly articulated real concerns in relation to levels of anxiety, stress, cost-of-living, transport, social media and called for youth-focused spaces, mental health service, access to transport and choice of activities within their communities.
Speaking about the funding, Minister McEntee said: “Young people deserve the right supports and opportunities to reach their potential, no matter where they live.
“The UBU Your Place Your Space scheme has already made a real difference to communities across the country, and I am delighted that, with this additional investment, we can now expand its reach to more young people who need it most.
“This investment is about supporting communities, families, and above all, our young people.
“By expanding UBU services, we are ensuring that more young people —particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk – have safe spaces, dedicated youth workers, and the supports they need to thrive.”
On welcoming the Minister to the LOETB offices in Portlaoise, Councillor Neil Feighery, Chairperson of the LOETB Board, highlighted that Laois and Offaly are among the most culturally diverse areas in Ireland, with 40% of Portlaoise’s population coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.
He also pointed to significant demographic changes, with the population of County Laois increasing by 73% between 1996 and 2022.
In addition, Laois and Offaly now have one of the highest proportions of young people aged 10–24 in the state, 20.7% of the population, representing over 36,000 young people.
Pat Wallis, Local Creative Youth Co-ordinator, LOETB
Joe Thompson, Youth Development Officer, LOETB
Minister Helen McEntee, Minister for Education and Youth
Linda Tynan, Director of Schools, LOETB
Michelle Boyce, LOETB Youth Services
Councillor Feighrey added: “Our Youth Services particularly see the impact of the growth in population and diversity across the two counties.
“Due to legacy issues, alongside rapid growth, our current status of having the lowest level of overall youth funding of all ETBs alongside a growing youth population has been challenging.”
Linda Tynan LOETB Director of Schools, addressing the minister, said: “Thank you for the good news today, for prioritising the value of youth work and for putting your vision into action.
“It is significant that you have come here to make the announcement, and it is a clear message that you are listening to the needs of young people.
“We are delighted with what has been achieved, we still have a way to go, and we will continue to advocate for services for young people in our area.
“We are a two county ETB and while I’m delighted with the announcement for Laois, we would welcome the opportunity to apply for additional projects to increase the capacity in both Offaly and Laois.”
Group photo includes the LOETB Senior Management Team, Minister Helen McEntee, and
members of the LOETB Board and local representatives.
Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee
In concluding the event, LOETB Chief Executive, Joe Cunningham, expressed his gratitude to Minister McEntee for her support and thanked her for taking the time to come to Portlaoise to share the good news.
He warmly welcomed the Minister back to Laois and Offaly at any time in the future.
Mr Cunningham also took the opportunity to commend the Youth Services team for their commitment and dedication to young people across both counties.
He acknowledged their tireless work in responding to the needs of an ever-growing and diverse youth population and congratulated them on securing such a significant investment through the UBU programme.
“This funding is a testament to the hard work of our Youth Services team and the strong partnerships they have built with local communities.
“It will enable us to continue creating safe and supportive spaces where young people can develop, grow, and thrive. We look forward to building on this progress in the months and years ahead.”
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