New Family Resource Centre Announced for Omeath

Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed the announcement of a new Family Resource Centre for Omeath, describing it as a place where vulnerable families can find meaningful support close to home.

The Omeath centre forms part of a wider national expansion announced by Minister Norma Foley that builds on the 2025 announcement of five new Family Resource Centres and will increase the total number nationwide from 126 to 136.

Speaking on the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said:

“Today’s announcement represents the establishment of a safe place, a listening ear and a lifeline for many families across the country.

“Having worked closely with Omeath District Development, I have seen first hand the vital work they do and how much families rely on their support. This new centre will strengthen and expand what they can offer, giving families across the Peninsula somewhere local they can turn to, somewhere they feel understood and supported.”

“The establishment of this centre will make a lasting difference, not only for families in Omeath but right across the Cooley Peninsula and surrounding areas for years to come. It will give so many children the chance to pursue the life they want by making sure their families have the support and stability they need.”

“Across the country Family Resource Centres provide essential help for parents and children who feel lost, who don’t know where to turn, or who simply need a bit of guidance to get back on track. That is what these centres are about, being there for families when they need help most.

In Budget 2026, the minimum funding level for all Family Resource Centres increased from €160,000 to €180,000 per year. Successful applicants will now receive core funding of €180,000 for each full year of operation.

Family Resource Centres offer a wide range of supports shaped by local needs. These include guiding families towards appropriate services, providing counselling and emotional assistance, offering education and training opportunities, running after school and youth programmes, supporting the development of community groups and delivering practical help such as access to technology or advice on local initiatives.

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.

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Notes to Editor

Family Resource Centres

Family Resource Centres provide a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families. These can include:

• the provision of information, advice and support to target groups and families. Information concerning the range of services and development options available locally and advice on accessing rights and entitlements. FRCs act as a focal point for onward referrals to mainstream service providers
• delivering education courses and training opportunities
• the establishment and maintenance of new community groups to meet local needs and the delivery of services at local level (for example, childcare facilities, after-school clubs, men’s groups)
• the provision of counselling and support to individuals and groups
• developing capacity and leadership within communities
• supporting personal and group development
• practical assistance to individuals and community groups such as access to information technology and office facilities
• practical assistance to existing community groups such as providing help with organisational structures, assistance with accessing funding or advice on how to address specific social issues
• supporting networking within the community
• contributing to Policy work

The independent assessment process

A comprehensive national application and assessment process was undertaken in relation to proposed new Family Resource Centres. The process was independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick.

Minister Foley subsequently announced the establishment of five new Family Resource Centres (FRCs) last year in Dublin, Monaghan, Louth, Kildare and Galway as part of the expansion of the Tusla National Programme for 2025. The successful services were as follows:

• Dublin – Cabra Family Community Development Group, St Finbarr’s GAA Club, Faussagh Avenue, Cabra, Dublin 7
• Monaghan – South Monaghan FRC Advisory Group, 1 Oriel Way, Mullaghmatt, County Monaghan
• Louth – Dundalk Counselling Service, Oakdene, 3 Seatown Place, Dundalk, County Louth
• Kildare – Leixlip Youth and Community Centre, Newtown House, Captains Hill, Leixlip, County Kildare
• Galway – Bru Bhride, Churchview, Tuam, County Galway

All the unsuccessful applicants were informed that their application would remain under active consideration should additional funding be secured for further expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2026. The funding secured in Budget 2026 has allowed for ten new Family Resource Centres to be added to the national network, based on this independent process.