Young people present budget demands to Leitrim and Sligo politicians

Young people from across Ireland met with Leitrim and Sligo politicians last week to share their priorities for Budget 2026 at the launch of Spunout’s pre-budget submission in Dublin.

Spunout, Ireland’s youth information and support platform, developed the submission in collaboration with its Youth Action Panel – a diverse group of over 200 young people from around the country. 

It focuses on the real-life experiences of young people in Ireland, highlighting issues such as mental health, youth work, the lack of third spaces, housing, climate action, transport, apprenticeships, and healthy relationships.

Panel members discussed these concerns directly with Frank Feighan TD and Senator Nessa Cosgrove during a lobby day at Buswells Hotel in Dublin.

Key proposals in the submission include: €100 million for youth mental health services, €70 million to train mental health professionals, €60 million to develop six Youth Hubs, €21.3 million for youth work, €135,000 annually over three years for a healthy relationships pilot, a funded Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030, €4.1 billion for affordable and cost-rental housing for young people, and €786 million for free public transport for all young adults.

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Isobel Solan, a Youth Action Panel member, said: “I feel particularly passionate about our ask regarding investment in youth mental health. Young people across Ireland are facing a mental health crisis that demands urgent, compassionate action. Too many people are struggling in silence.

“Investing €100 million in youth mental health services is a lifeline bringing care into communities and creating spaces where young people can feel seen, supported, and heard. “By investing in youth mental health services and healthcare professionals, we ensure that care is always within reach. This funding means we are building a future where no young person feels alone.”

Fellow Panel member Kacper Bogalecki added: “Housing is a big issue for me. For a lot of young people, moving out of home is currently an unaffordable dream. Many of the people I know who have managed to move out are paying high rents or living in unsuitable conditions. 

“We’re calling for a €4.1 billion investment in affordable and cost-rental housing targeted specifically at young people.”

Maria Towey, Acting CEO at Spunout, said: “At Spunout, we believe every young person in Ireland should be able to access the support they need, whether that’s mental health care, affordable housing, reliable transport, or inclusive spaces to connect.

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“We also believe that young people are experts in their own experiences, and any attempt to create effective, meaningful public policy must begin with listening to them. That’s why our pre-budget submission is rooted in the realities and priorities of young people across Ireland.”