Minister plans teen ‘hang-out’ centres

THE Government has announced plans to fund “hanging-out” centres for young people after a report found a lack of recreational facilities is leaving teenagers open to encountering trouble.

Areas to relax and hang out with their friends, identified by teens as their greatest need, have been promised in the Government’s recreation policy, which will be published later this year.

Hundreds of young people reported the main barriers to taking part in recreational activities were a lack of facilities, money and transport.

At the launch of the report of public consultation over a national teenage recreation policy, Brian Lenihan, the Minister for Children, said: “Teenagers want somewhere to get together with their friends.

“They want a place that is safe, warm, indoors, affordable, relaxed and legitimate; a place where they can have a sense of ownership, where they can go in their free time and not get into trouble.”

Out of around 940 responses, Sandra Roe, a research consultant, said almost 24% of young people reported the biggest barriers to recreation was a lack of facilities and activities.

The biggest motivation to involvement in activity included friends, enjoyment and keeping fit.

“The success of youth cafés and drop-in centres feature strongly,” Mr Lenihan said.

“I am pleased to see that youth clubs and sports organisations, particularly the GAA, emerged strongly in examples of recreation that worked well.”

Anne Marie Flynn, aged 16, a member of south Dublin Comhairle na nÓg said people must realise teenagers simply want to spend time with their friends.

“In Lucan, where I live, the population has now reached 40,000 but there isn’t one youth facility that we know of,” she said.

Around €93 million has been invested in swimming pool projects nationwide with 18 completed since 2000. The Community and Rural Affairs Department has allocated nearly €100m to youth services and facilities in disadvantaged areas.