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Dublin, 7 July 2025 – The Irish Government has celebrated the continued success of the Creative Youth Plan 2023–2027 with the launch of a new Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) in Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB). This marks the eighth LCYP established nationwide, expanding access to out-of-school creative programmes for children and young people, particularly those from seldom-heard or disadvantaged backgrounds.
🌟 Progress to Date
Led by the Creative Ireland Programme, the Creative Youth Plan aims to embed creativity in the lives of young people from birth to age 24. Since its launch, the Plan has:
- Engaged over 2,600 schools and Youthreach centres through initiatives like Creative Schools, BLAST, and Creative Clusters
- Delivered innovative pilots such as the Creative Youth Nurture Fund, I Am Creative, and Creative Youth on a Shared Island
- Supported Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity, with over 1,300 events held in June 2025
🗺️ New Mapping Tool for Schools
A newly launched Creative Youth School Data Mapping Tool now tracks programme participation across Ireland, helping identify areas with lower engagement and greater socio-demographic need. Developed by the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the tool aims to guide future outreach and investment.
“This interactive map can help inspire and guide further engagement, especially in areas that can benefit the most,” said Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
🤝 Ministerial Support
Ministers Patrick O’Donovan, Norma Foley, and Helen McEntee jointly welcomed the new LCYP in Tipperary, emphasizing its role in fostering creativity, inclusion, and community development.
“We are giving our children and young people the opportunity to show their talents,” said Minister Foley.
“The success of existing LCYPs shows the fantastic opportunities these partnerships bring,” added Minister McEntee.
📚 About LCYPs
LCYPs are collaborative initiatives involving ETBs, youth services, local authorities, and arts organizations. Since 2019, LCYPs have been established in:
- Limerick Clare ETB
- Kerry ETB
- Laois Offaly ETB
- Galway Roscommon ETB
- Cork ETB
- Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB
- Cavan Monaghan ETB
The Tipperary LCYP will work closely with Hub na nÓg, Ireland’s national centre for youth participation, to ensure inclusive decision-making and targeted outreach.
For full programme details, see the Creative Youth Interim Report 2023–2025 and visit the Creative Ireland Programme website.
Ministers Norma Foley and Patrick O’Donovan Picture by First5Ireland
