BREAKING: Roscrea to receive new Family Resource Centre

Roscrea is one of ten towns to receive a new Family Resource Centre, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, announced this morning.

The new facility will be located on Abbey Street in Roscrea town and was welcomed as very positive news for Roscrea and North Tipperary by the county's Dáil representatives on Tuesday morning.

"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," Deputy Michael Lowry told the Tribune.

He said the decision to establish a Family Resource Centre (FRC) in the heritage town 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.

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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.

The 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," Deputy Lowry said.

"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 said.

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Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny, Ryan O’Meara also welcomed today’s announcement.

Deputy O’Meara said: “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".

Deputy O'Meara said a comprehensive needs analysis highlighted the necessity for a FRC 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," he said.

“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.”