Timely boost for family resource centres
Three Meath family resource centres are to benefit as part of a €1.36 million once-off capital investment in Ireland’s network of 136 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley this week.
The investment will see each of the 136 family resource centres across the country receive a once-off capital allocation of €10,000 including Trim FRC, Kells FRC and East Coast FRC, to support locally identified capital, premises, equipment, ICT and infrastructure priorities.
The funding provides FRCs with flexibility to identify the investments that will make the greatest difference to the children, families and communities they serve.
The announcement builds on the Government’s significant investment in the Family Resource Centre Programme. Budget 2026 increased the minimum annual core funding level for FRCs from €160,000 to €180,000, while the establishment of 10 additional centres this year brought the national network to 136.
Announcing the funding, Minister Foley said: “Family Resource Centres are at the heart of communities across Ireland. I have seen first-hand the extraordinary work they do in supporting children, families and communities, and I am delighted to announce this additional €1.36 million investment.
“Every one of our 136 Family Resource Centres around the country will receive €10,000, giving individual centres the flexibility to invest in the areas that matter most in their own communities.
“Whether that means improving a building, making a centre more accessible, replacing essential equipment, investing in technology or improving the spaces in which children and families receive support, this funding will make a practical difference on the ground.
“This investment is another demonstration of this Government’s commitment to strengthening the Family Resource Centre network and ensuring that community-based family support continues to grow and develop across the country.”
Kate Duggan, Chief Executive of Tusla – Child and Family Agency, welcomed the announcement: “FRCs are deeply rooted in their local communities and have an invaluable understanding of the needs of the children and families they support.
"Providing each centre with a flexible €10,000 allocation enables local FRCs to make practical investments based on those needs, whether in their premises, accessibility, equipment, technology or service-delivery environment.
“This complements the Government’s wider investment in the FRC Programme and Tusla’s continued focus on prevention, early intervention and accessible family support within communities.”
Tusla administers the national Family Resource Centre Programme on behalf of the Department. FRCs provide a broad range of universal and targeted supports, including family support, counselling, education and training, advocacy, youth and community groups and practical assistance to individuals and families.
The €10,000 allocation can support a broad range of capital and once-off expenditure, including minor building works and refurbishment; accessibility, health and safety and security improvements; furniture and fittings; equipment; ICT hardware and infrastructure; telecommunications and digital equipment; software, digital systems and associated licensing costs; and energy-efficiency or sustainability improvements.
Meanwhile, Trim FRC will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a programme of events running in the Castle Arch Hotel from 1st-3rd October next. This includes the launch of its strategic plan, a stories and celebrations event and a family fun day.