Family Resource Centres
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-21
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Robert O'Donoghue (LAB), Dublin Fingal West

I want to take a moment to appeal directly to the Minister of State to recognise the importance of this. Some of that funding is greatly welcomed for centres like the Aster resource centre in Balbriggan, the only family support service based in north County Dublin. It serves mainly Balbriggan, but also covers Rush, Lusk and Skerries. Those are smaller towns but there is no similar service there. It is not just a service provider; it is a lifeline to countless people across Balbriggan and the wider community. Every day, staff and volunteers support people facing housing insecurity, poverty, domestic violence, mental health challenges and pressure for caring responsibilities.
The demands for these supports have never been greater. It is a rapidly growing area and yet the reality is that rising rents, old buildings, utility costs and operational pressures are eating away at their already stretched resources. Increasing funding on paper means little if organisations are spending more on rent and upkeep.
I welcome some of what the Minister of State said. I urge him to champion sustained and long-term investment in family resource centres like Aster so they can continue to provide essential care, support and stability for the many families who rely on them.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-21/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:58+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-21