New Family Resource Centre for north Mayo confirmed
THE Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has today confirmed the establishment of a new Family Resource Centre (FRC) for Erris.
It is one of 10 new FRCs across the country, bringing the total number from 126 to 136.
Said Minister Calleary: “I am delighted to confirm that Erris has been included in the latest round of Family Resource Centre allocations. This is a milestone day for the people of Erris and surrounding areas who rely so heavily on the existing services provided in the Erris Family and Community Support Centre.
“I have consistently made the case 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.”
He continued: “FRCs do incredible work every single day. They are at the heart of communities and represent investment in children, families, and communities across Ireland.
“In Budget 2026, Minister Foley secured an increase from €160,000 to €180,000 for all FRCs and I want to thank her for her commitment to this issue. I met with her regarding Erris a number of times and I’m delighted that today, she has delivered for Erris and for Mayo.”
A comprehensive national application and assessment process was undertaken, led by Tusla and independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick. All applications 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.
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.
Deputy Keira Keogh said the new Family Resource Centre for Erris is a very welcome development for communities across north Mayo.
She commented: “The hard work and campaigning by the voluntary Erris Family & Community Support Centre CLG board has finally been recognised. I understand how disappointed everyone was in September last year when they narrowly missed out on inclusion to become a fully-fledged Family Resource Centre (FRC).
“Erris Family & Community Support services have played a central role in providing community-based family support, especially in rural areas, where access to services can be more limited. This inclusion as a Family Resource Centre will help to deliver more community-based family support, early intervention services, counselling, education, and youth programmes, particularly in areas of high need.
“Tusla, who has provided funding in the past to Erris, has emphasised the importance of these centres in identifying and responding to local challenges early.”