Minister Calleary confirms funding for facilities in Ballyhaunis

The space is set to provide a safe and attractive place for young people to meet friends and spend time outdoors.

Speaking on the confirmation, Minister Calleary expressed his delight at confirming the €100,000 in funding for the project.

“In this intense digital age, it is more important than ever that we provide our teenagers and young adults with spaces where they can feel safe, be themselves, and spend time talking, forging friendships, and making memories that will last a lifetime.”

Furthermore, he expressed his thanks to the Ballyhaunis community as well as Mayo County Council.

“They held public consultations with teenagers, young adults, and community groups, which have proved invaluable in securing this funding. I also want to thank my colleague, Minister Norma Foley, for granting this funding and for believing in the project.”

Local Authorities, working with their local Comhairle na nÓg (local youth councils), were invited to develop and submit a proposal for a project to address the recreational needs of teenagers in their local authority area, up to a maximum cost of €100,000, with matched funding of 25% required from the Local Authority.

The total funding available was €400,000. In total, four projects across the country today received funding of €100,000 each.

The funding, announced today by Minister Norma Foley, was secured from the Dormant Accounts Funding and National Development Plan following the successful 2025 pilot, Making Places for and with Teenagers.

Announcing the funding, Minister Foley expressed her delight at the announcement.

"This will provide our young people with opportunities to meet and spend time together in a place they can call their own.

"There are innovative features such as music speakers, work-out equipment, football tables, table tennis tables, an in-ground trampoline suitable for wheelchairs, and even designs suitable for parkour movements.”