Joy after years of work see 10 new FRCs join national programme

However, it is about more than funding: as one successful group remarked – “It’s about hope, inclusion, and a stronger future for our town.”

The announcement – by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley –  brings to 136 the number of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) across the country. The ten new groups chosen for admission come from counties Mayo, Donegal, Leitrim, Kerry, Tipperary, Limerick, Wexford, Louth, Longford and Dublin.

Among them is a “delighted” Erris Family and Community Support Centre (FCSC) whose campaign we covered over a number of years.

Chairperson Rosaleen Lally said, “After years of hard work and advocacy, I am thrilled that (we have) finally been granted official FRC status. Having the security of a permanent FRC means long-term support and services right here where we live.”

Erris FCSC co-ordinator Leanne Barrett said the recognition “represents a new chapter” and provides “renewed hope for families and individuals across the region”.

“At the heart of Erris FCSC’s work are community development values and principles – collective action, community empowerment, social justice, sustainable development, human rights, and participation – values which lie at the core of both the national programme and of Erris FCSC’s own mission locally,” she added.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary – based in Ballina – said: “I have consistently made the case to Minister Norma Foley, and previous Ministers, about the reach and depth of the work in Erris and the need for an upgrade to full Family Resource Centre status. For many years I have met with Leanne Barrett and her team who have campaigned for this. Today is a special day for them.”

Local Youth and Family Service CLG in Co. Donegal was among the ten. They responded to the news saying, “We are so delighted to be apart of the Family Resource Centre Programme to offer much needed supports across the Northwest/ Gaeltacht.”

In Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, there was also relief and joy after North Tipperary Development Company worked with the local community to make the successful application. They carried out a comprehensive needs analysis and highlighted key metrics on deprivation, employment, the number of non-Irish residents, and education levels in the town.

Longford County Council warmly welcomed the announcement by Minister Foley confirming funding for a Family Resource Centre in Longford town.

“This is a milestone our community has been working toward for many years, with Longford facing some of the highest levels of need in the country. This centre will provide vital, judgment‑free support for children, young people, families, older people, people with disabilities, Travellers, refugees, and asylum seekers,” it said in a statement.

“Based at The Attic House and supported by a dedicated voluntary steering committee and Foróige, the new FRC will offer a welcoming space where everyone belongs,” it added.

Longford-based Senator Joe Flaherty said it was “excellent news” and he was pleased that Minister Foley had visited the town and seen for herself the challenges.

Announcing the 10 new FRCs, Minister Foley said, “I have seen first-hand the incredible work that Family Resource Centres do every single day. They are of the community and for the community and by the community and they represent our ongoing investment in children, families, and communities across Ireland.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the FRC programme is about “strengthening communities at their core – through grassroots action, partnership, and compassion.”

The announcement builds on the 2025 announcement of five new FRCs and follows up on a commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres over the lifetime of the Government.

An open call was made to all interested parties, and subsequent submissions were evaluated in a process independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick. All the unsuccessful applicants were informed that their application would remain under active consideration should additional funding be secured for further expansion.

In Budget 2026, the minimum funding level for all Family Resource Centres was increased from to €160,000 to €180,000 for 2026.

The 10 new Family Resource Centres are as follows: