Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has said an announcement on funding for ten family resource centres will be made in the coming weeks.
The Minister made the comments during a visit to Longford town this morning, where it is hoped funding will be allocated for a family resource centre.
During her visit to the Attic House in Longford town, she met representatives from community groups along with local politicians.
"It's an independent process, but I hope in the coming weeks, we'll be in a position to make announcements, so it's sooner rather than later," she said.
Minister Foley was given a presentation on the need for a family resource centre in the town.
She praised the work of the steering committee and acknowledged the needs of the community but she stopped short of making a commitment.
"I have to say that this is an open competition right across the country but, you know, there is terrific work being done here," she said.
In 2024 a needs assessment report, commissioned by Longford County Council, found there was an "urgent need" for a family resource centre in Longford town to tackle rising deprivation levels.
There are two family resource centres in the county, in Granard and Ballymahon but not in Longford town.
The report highlighted the stark reality facing the town which now ranks among the most deprived areas nationwide.
The report noted the "unprecedented challenges" it faces.
In Longford, 34.65% of residents were born overseas, 6% identify as members of the Traveller community, and over 24% of residents are living with a disability.
Child protection referrals are among the highest nationally, according to the report, while poverty, housing instability, and school avoidance continue to rise.
The report also found that drugs and drug-related intimidation are significant concerns in Longford, with a rising need for community education and intervention.
Those involved say a family resource centre would create the open-door policy the town needs.
An application for funding for a family resource centre in Longford was made to Tusla in 2017 but was unsuccessful.
