Minister Foley announces 10 new Family Resource Centres
- Published on: 3 February 2026
- Last updated on: 3 February 2026
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today announced the establishment of ten new Family Resource Centres (FRCs) across Ireland.
This significant expansion builds on the 2025 announcement of five new FRCs, and will bring the number of Family Resource Centres from 126 to 136.
This reflects the commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres over the lifetime of the Government.
The successful services are as follows:
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 submissions were reviewed and scored against the clearly defined and published criteria, including population need, level of deprivation, child population data, existing service provision and existing service gaps.
Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to announce the establishment of ten new Family Resource Centres, based on funding I secured as part of the Budget 2026 negotiations. 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. I intend to continue via the Budgetary process the expansion of the network of Family Resource Centres over the lifetime of this government.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“Supporting families with the services they need, where they live is a key government commitment and the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme demonstrates that ambition in action. It’s about strengthening communities at their core – through grassroots action, partnership, and compassion.”
Kate Duggan, CEO of Tusla, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome these ten new organisations into the Family Resource Centre Programme. Each brings unique local strengths and deep community roots. This expansion is a reflection of Tusla’s commitment to prevention, inclusion, and early intervention.”
In Budget 2026, the minimum funding level for all Family Resource Centres was increased from to €160,000 to €180,000 for 2026.
The successful applicants will now be allocated core funding of €180,000 for each full year of operation. Tusla will work closely with the successful applicants, with assistance from the Family Resource Centre National Forum, to support their integration into the Family Resource Centre Programme. The National Forum will assist new centres in building links with existing FRCs, offering practical guidance and partnership to ensure smooth integration into the national Programme. Further information on the Forum’s work is available at www.familyresource.ie.
ENDS
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.