Funding of €76k allocated to local Family Resource Centres

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Minister Marian Harkin has welcomed a substantial increase in core funding for Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in the Sligo/Leitrim constituency saying it will make an important difference to the quality and range of services offered by the six FRCs in Sligo and Leitrim.

An announcement by Norma Foley TD, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality will see the minimum FRC core funding allocation rise from €160,000 to €180,000 from January 2026, benefiting 100 of the 126 centres across the country. This will mean an increase of over €76,000 made available to Sligo and Leitrim FRCs.

Welcoming the funding Minister Harkin said, “I am delighted with today’s announcement by Minister Foley. The Family Resource Centres in Sligo and Leitrim offer vital supports to children, families, and some of the most vulnerable people in our area. Increasing the minimum funding level to €180,000 is a crucial investment in the sustainability and strength of these centres.

This funding ensures that centres in Ballymote, Sligo Town, Tubbercurry, West Sligo, Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon can continue to provide high-quality services and expand their reach. These centres are often the first port of call for families seeking advice, childcare, education supports, counselling, or simply a safe and welcoming space. This is a very welcome and much-needed boost for our region.”

The increase to a €180,000 minimum core funding level will significantly benefit local FRCs, which will receive the following additional uplifts: Ballymote FRC, €19,724.24; Sligo FRC, The Mall - €18,937.28; Tubbercurry FRC, €5,512.76; West Sligo FRC, Enniscrone, €20,000; Breffni FRC, Carrick-on-Shannon, €7,101.20; Mohill FRC, Canon Donohoe Hall, €4,864.

“The increased funding will help ensure that every centre in Sligo and Leitrim has the core funding it needs to maintain and expand essential community services,” said Minister Harkin. “Stronger Family Resource Centres mean stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger social fabric throughout the Northwest.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.