LATEST: Local Tipperary town to gain new Family Resource Centre

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today announced the establishment of ten new Family Resource Centres across Ireland.

This significant expansion builds on the 2025 announcement of five new FRCs, and will bring the number of Family Resource Centres from 126 to 136.

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Roscrea is one of the ten locations set to benefit from this announcement.

An open call was made to all interested parties and subsequent submissions were evaluated in a process independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick.

All submissions 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.

Speaking on the announcement, Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry said that this is great news for the town of Roscrea.

“This is extremely positive news for Roscrea and the wider North Tipperary area. The designation of Roscrea Family Resource Centre CLG, to be located at Friar’s Court, represents a significant investment in community supports and family services in the town. It reflects the growing recognition of the vital role Roscrea plays as a service hub for the surrounding rural hinterland.

“Family Resource Centres provide essential supports for families at local level, including parenting programmes, child and youth supports, educational initiatives, wellbeing services and community development activities. The establishment of an FRC in Roscrea will strengthen early intervention and preventative services, helping families to access supports in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

“This announcement forms part of a wider national expansion of the Family Resource Centre network, increasing the total number of centres from 126 to 136. It also builds on the Government’s earlier commitment in 2025 to establish five additional centres, demonstrating a clear commitment under the Programme for Government to expand and strengthen community-based family supports.

“I want to commend all those involved locally in Roscrea who worked diligently to secure this designation. Their commitment to supporting families and building a stronger community has been rewarded with this very welcome outcome.

“I will continue to work to ensure that Roscrea and North Tipperary receive the resources and investment needed to support families, children and communities, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this new Family Resource Centre will have in the years ahead,” Deputy Lowry concluded.

Tipperary North TD Ryan O’Meara said that he also welcomes the new centre, stating that centres such as these are vital to communities.

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“I am pleased to welcome the establishment of a new Family Resource Centre in Roscrea. These centres are vital to local communities, offering trusted, inclusive support to families and children when they need it most. This initiative represents community-led investment that promises to significantly enhance the lives of local residents.

“The Family Resource Centre will provide multi-disciplinary support, including services from Tusla, the HSE, Tipperary Children and Youth People’s Service Committee, NTDC, Tipperary County Council, Tús, Roscrea Carers, and many others.

“A comprehensive needs analysis highlighted the necessity for a Family Resource Centre in Roscrea, revealing key metrics such as deprivation, employment levels, the number of non-Irish residents, and education levels. These findings underscore the essential role of the centre in the future development of Roscrea and its surroundings.

“I extend my congratulations to everyone at NTDC for bringing this project forward. I am thrilled to welcome these much-needed resources to Roscrea and remain committed to advocating for further investment and support for the area,” Deputy O’Meara concluded.