LYS supports the LECP statement: 'Based on surveys with children aged 10-17 years, children are less satisfied with the environment of their area - 60% of children in the Mid-West Region report that “there are good places in their area to spend free time” compared with 67% across all regions and 78% in the region with the highest satisfaction rates on this indicator (the South East region)'.
Consultations conducted with young people, stakeholders and LYS volunteers and staff, as part of LYS Strategic Plan 2023 - 2027, highlighted the existence of Unsafe community environments enabling access to drink and drugs for young people. There is a need for increased access to community-based, safe, friendly, recreational youth spaces, particularly within communities experiencing high levels of deprivation. Older young people participating in our consultations also highlighted the need for youth spaces which are not traditional youth clubs- a more updated approach to provision for older young people.
CSO 2016 figures identify:
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Population increases in Metropolitan inner-city district EDs, including Shannon A & B, John C (Athlunkard St./George’s Quay), Dock A (Upper Henry St./ Steamboat Quay), Custom House and Market (Upper Mulgrave St./Cathedral Place)
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Increased urbanisation of the city.
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Large populations in outer suburban Metropolitan EDs including Ballycumin, Ballysimon, Corbally, Annacotty, Coonagh/Caherdavin
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Limerick Municipal EDs including Caherconlish West and Aughinish have seen population increases with large populations in EDs such as Adare South, Askeaton West, Croom, Abbeyfeale, Newcastle Urban, Newcastle Rural, Bruff , Bruree and Kilmallock. Very strong population increases in Adare, Castleconnell, Clarina and Ballyneety
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The regeneration areas of Moyross, Southill and St Mary's Park have high young age dependency ratios. Some of the newer suburbs in the outer periphery of the city in the south-west also have high levels of dependency.
Our submission prioritises the need for the LECP to recognise the need for safe, accessible, youth friendly spaces and facilities with a focus on disadvantaged communities including Garryowen and Southside communities such as Southill, currently served by LYS 'The Factory'. Large population increases (CSO, 2016, 2022) also highlight the need for infrastructure in in outer suburban Metropolitan EDs including Ballycumin, Ballysimon, Corbally, Annacotty, Coonagh/Caherdavin and in rural areas including Adare South, Askeaton West, Croom, Abbeyfeale, Newcastle Urban, Newcastle Rural, Bruff , Bruree and Kilmallock.
Support young people's physical and mental health and wellbeing, and their safety and security.