A Sinn Féin TD has called for the establishment of a Family Resource Centre (FRC) to meet the growing needs of communities in West Waterford.

Raising the issue in the Dáil, Deputy Conor McGuinness described FRCs as “tremendous services” that provide vital support for families and individuals at all stages of life. While Waterford City benefits from three such centres, he highlighted what he called a “glaring gap” in provision across large parts of the county, particularly in West Waterford.

“Towns like Dungarvan, where there is demonstrably a huge need, are left without any Family Resource Centre,” Deputy McGuinness said. “In recent weeks, 49 applications were made to establish new FRCs and only five of those — around 10% — were approved. Existing centres are under huge pressure just to keep going.”

The Sinn Féin representative pressed the Government to provide €240,000 in core funding for the sector, along with a capital scheme for new centres and additional investment in counselling supports.

Responding, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe acknowledged the importance of FRCs and praised the work they do in his own constituency, particularly in supporting diverse communities. While noting the pressures on funding, he said he would raise the issue with Children’s Minister Norma Foley.

“I know there are many demands for Family Resource Centres across our country,” Minister Donohoe said. “But maybe if, year by year, we could just gradually increase their availability, it would make a difference because I know they do really good work.”

Campaigners say that with demand for services rising and communities in towns like Dungarvan left under served, the Government must move beyond gradual measures and prioritise investment in new Family Resource Centres across the region.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.