Did you find what you were looking for?
Find what you were looking for?
Help us improve AI search results by giving your feedback (3-5 mins).
Minister Norma Foley officially opens Kerry’s newest Family Resource Centre in Dingle
- Published on:
- Last updated on:
Centre offers unique service of family support through Irish
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, officially opened Kerry’s newest Family Resource Centre (FRC) today in Dingle, Co. Kerry.
Áiseanna na hÓige has been officially launched as an FRC following its recent admission under the National FRC Programme by Tusla, the Child & Family Agency. It is unique in Co. Kerry in how it offers a family support service through Irish.
The centre – based at Ard na Gréine, Dingle –has a long history of providing family support and community-based services across West Kerry. Its inclusion in the National FRC Programme formally recognises and strengthens the important role the centre plays within the area.
Áiseanna Na hÓige works from an early intervention and prevention approach, supporting families to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and improve overall wellbeing.
The centre has been providing family support services, funded by Tusla on a yearly basis, since 2015*. Minister Foley announced in February that Áiseanna Na hÓige would be one of ten new FRCs added to the network of 136 FRCs in Ireland, of which 13 are in Co. Kerry.
Áiseanna na hÓige facilitates Meitheal meetings, bringing together families and relevant agencies to develop coordinated support plans tailored to individual needs. It also provides one-to-one family support, parenting programmes, and group-based activities that promote positive parenting and child development. Áiseanna na hÓige plays a key role in community development by organising initiatives such as play therapy, parenting workshops, and awareness events.
The centre actively supports inclusion and integration, particularly for Ukrainian families and other newcomers, helping them access services and connect with the local community. Staff work collaboratively with agencies including Tusla, schools, and health services to ensure a holistic and joined-up approach.
Outreach work is another important aspect of the service, ensuring supports are accessible to families across rural areas.
Minister Foley said:
“I was pleased to announce Aiseanna na hÓige as one of ten new Family Resource Centres earlier this year, based on funding I secured as part of the Budget 2026 negotiations. It is my strong belief that Aiseanna na hÓige were providing the services and supports of an FRC to the people of West Kerry without the title for many years. Conferring the title of Family Resource Centres is just recognition for the excellence of their work and service to the local and wider community.
I have seen first-hand the incredible work that goes on in Aiseanna na hÓige every single day. There is a range of essential, accessible, and responsive services that strengthens families and supports children to thrive within their communities. I am committed to supporting Aiseanna na hÓige and our entire network of excellent Family Resource Centres now and into the future.”
Service Director of Commissioning with Tusla, the Child & Family Agency, Eifion Williams said:
“We are delighted to welcome Áiseanna Na hÓige to the Family Resource Centre National Programme. The centre has deep roots within the West Kerry community and has already demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting children, families and individuals through assessable, community-based services. Its inclusion into the National Programme is an important recognition of the valuable work already taking place locally and will further strengthen the network of family and community supports available in West Kerry.”
Kerry/North Cork Area Manager with Tusla, Breda Lynch said:
“Tusla Kerry was advocating for the entry of Áiseanna na hÓige into the National FRC programme since 2013. Áiseanna na hÓige Family Support Centre’s reputation is pure ‘gold star’ as evidenced by the centre attaining national and local awards.
The need for a fully functional Family Resource Centre in the West Kerry Gaeltacht was clearly evident for many years, and at last Tusla can affirm its commitment in West Kerry to promoting and supporting the Irish language, and ensuring Irish speakers have equal access to our services.
Tusla Kerry is delighted to welcome the launch of Áiseanna na hÓige into the National Tusla FRC programme whereby the core staffing costs can be supported on a long-term basis. Tusla Kerry enjoys a strong partnership with Áiseanna na hÓige and local families can continue to access a wide range of family supports funded by Tusla.”
Fiona Nic Gearailt, Bainisteoir/ Manager Áiseanna na hÓige, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to now be part of the Family Resource Centre Programme. Having a Family Resource Centre here in Corca Dhuibhne means so much to our community, providing valuable supports close to home.
We are proud of what has been achieved and look forward to building on the services we already provide, while welcoming new agencies and supports to meet the needs of our community.Being part of the Programme alongside other Gaeltacht Family Resource Centres is particularly significant, as we hope to strengthen access to services through Irish and support people in their own language.”
- * Tusla supports the employment of a Centre Manager and Family Support workers to assist local families, and also to support families from the Ukrainian and IPAS community – providing staff employed by Áiseanna na hÓige on a full and part-time basis.
- The FRC is a venue which Kerry Adolescent Counselling Agency uses as a locally accessible safe space for subsidised therapeutic supports funded by Tusla.
- Áiseanna na hÓige understands the value of providing local accessible safe spaces for families. Travelling to other towns may be a barrier to accessing the family support services which some families desperately require. The centre provides a warm and friendly space modified for safe Social Work Access visits and a therapeutic space used when required by Barnahus.
- Tusla has provided additional funds for Trauma informed Therapeutic supports for Ukrainian and IPAS families.
- Families can access a variety of childcare provision in this one centre and many families receiving Tusla Family Support can apply for free childcare families through the Tusla National Childcare Scheme.