A summer scheme for hundreds of children in County Tyrone has been put at risk because Stormont has failed to agree a budget, organisers have said. Ógras Youth Centre in Coalisland runs schemes for about 450 children, but it is currently funding the programme itself at a cost of about £20,000.
Shane McDonald from Ógras Youth Centre said the summer scheme was "massively important" for families in Coalisland. He said politicians "need to take a good look at themselves" and argued that "what it costs to run this summer programme is essentially one of their pay rises."
In March, the panel that sets MLAs' salaries recommended they receive a pay rise of more than £14,000.
Why is the centre covering the costs of the summer scheme themselves?
Ógras runs a junior and senior scheme every summer and one for young people with special educational needs (SEN). The centre normally receives upfront funding of about £16,500 from the Education Authority (EA) and Department for Communities (DfC) to cover most of the running costs.
But as the Northern Ireland Executive has been unable to agree a budget, that up-front funding was not confirmed for the 2026 scheme. That has left the centre to cover the costs of the summer scheme themselves in the hope they will get the money back at a later date.
McDonald said the summer scheme was "massively important" for families in Coalisland.
"There's a lot of young people that come here and they get on trips that they ultimately wouldn't get on throughout the year," he said.
"To be fair to both departments, they have been bending over backwards to try and help us, but the issue is with the politicians on the hill not announcing or agreeing a budget."
He added that the centre could face a serious shortfall if the money is not secured.
"At the minute we're running at, you're looking at, maybe a £20,000 to £24,000 loss if we don't secure that funding.
"If that happens again, this programme simply cannot take place, and we're sitting with 500 families and young people essentially having nowhere to go."
McDonald said normally the centre gets 50% of its funding up front, then they run the activity over three or four weeks, do a final verification and get the second half of the funding.
"At the minute we've received no funding and we're running at risk," he said.
"We're begging and borrowing to pay for buses, trips and keep the costs down for the young people."
How do those at the summer scheme feel?
McDonald said 45 young people help run the scheme as volunteers, and he estimates their work would be worth about £30,000 in normal staffing costs.
Cora Nelis has been volunteering at Ógras Youth Centre for four years and said there was "a real sense of community" during the scheme.
She said: "You get to know the children," and added that it is "really rewarding" because she can see them progress.
"They just get to play, have fun, have the craic and go on trips as well."
Shane O'Neill, 15, is also a volunteer and, like Cora, has ambitions to become a teacher.
He said he mostly plays sports with the children, including football, basketball and ping-pong, and explained that the scheme gives them a safe place when school is not on.
"I mostly play sports with them like football and basketball and ping-pong.
"Coming here every day, especially when school's not on, they can have a safe space to talk to their friends.
"You get away from screens and it's nice to play proper sports."
What has the Education Authority said?
In a statement to NI, the Education Authority said: "The summer scheme referenced is funded through the Department for Communities' Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
"The uncertainty facing groups such as Ógras Youth Centre reflects the wider financial pressures being experienced across the public sector, particularly in the absence of a confirmed budget.
"In recognition of the importance of youth services, the EA board has though agreed to maintain local area funding for youth provision, enabling continued support for groups including Ógras throughout 2026-27.
"The EA values its long-standing and positive working relationship with Ógras and remains committed to supporting the vital youth work they, and other providers, deliver in local communities."
County Tyrone, Coalisland, Ógras Youth Centre, Education Authority, Department for Communities, Northern Ireland Executive, summer schemes, youth services, special educational needs, Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
