Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has announced that a premises has been secured for the development of a Jigsaw youth mental health service for Waterford and the South-East.

Earlier this year, €1m in funding for the service was secured as part of Budget 2026.

Jigsaw is a national centre that offers mental health supports for young people aged 12-25.

There have been ongoing calls for the implementation of a service in Waterford.

Speaking to WLR News, Minister Butler explained that the premises in question has been deemed suitable and recruitment will commence in January.

“Jigsaw is led by Dr Joseph Duffy and Portlaw native Sarah Cullinan who both visited in mid-November.  They have worked closely with Ivan Grimes from Waterford City & County Council and have identified a suitable office space in the centre of the city,” she said.

Minister Butler added: “I have been informed that four professionals have shown an interest in working at Jigsaw in Waterford.”

It’s understood there will also be outreach services to other areas of Waterford and the region.

Meeting with Ukraine’s First Lady

Earlier this week, Minister Butler met with the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska during her visit to Ireland and discussed the topic of mental health.

“She was keen to discuss the challenges she has encountered following the outbreak of war,” said Minster Butler.

“She’s trying to put in place supports at community level for young people and has visited many countries across Europe. She was very taken with both the Swedish and Irish models.”

Minister Butler added that both women plan to keep in touch through their officials to provide updates on further supports.

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