Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has highlighted the launch of a new interactive online map which will make it easier for young people and families to find youth clubs and services in their local area.

YouthMap Ireland provides information on known youth services nationwide, including their location, contact details, websites and accessibility.

Minister Canney said: “This is a very practical initiative which will make it easier for young people, parents and families to find out what youth clubs, services and opportunities are available in their own communities.

“There is a huge amount of valuable work being done by youth organisations across the country, but people may not always be aware of what is available locally. This will be particularly useful in rural communities, where making local youth clubs and services more visible can help young people and families see what is available close to home.

“Bringing this information together in one accessible place will help more young people connect with services, supports and opportunities in their communities.”

The map will allow users to search for Youth Clubs, UBU Your Place Your Space services, Youth Information Centres, Scouts and Guides, Irish-language youth clubs, National Youth Organisations, Comhairle na nÓg and the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative. Traveller and Roma services will also be included through a dedicated search functionality.

YouthMap Ireland is intended to be a living resource, with arrangements in place for updates, corrections and additions as new services emerge and existing services develop. The Department will work with Education and Training Boards, national youth organisations and other stakeholders to keep the information up to date.

For safeguarding reasons, some service locations will be displayed approximately rather than precisely.

The map is available at www.youthmapireland.ie