Hundreds of children in some of the poorest parts of the State will receive intensive support under a new programme aimed at creating better prospects for young people in disadvantaged areas.
Minister for Children Brian Lenihan is due to announce details of the programme, which will target at-risk children in Dublin areas such as Tallaght, Ballymun and Darndale through a comprehensive early-years programme.
The initiative is understood to be similar to existing State-funded programmes, such as the Springboard projects. However, the new programme will provide support from a child's earliest years.
The initiative, which is likely to receive sufficient funding to enable it to operate for several years, is co-funded by Atlantic Philanthropies, the organisation founded by Irish-American billionaire Chuck Feeney.
Details will be announced today at a press conference in Government Buildings hosted by the Minister and the chief executive of Atlantic Philanthropies, John R Healy.
Atlantic Philanthropies is already funding a number of early intervention projects for at-risk children. They include a 10-year plan by An Cosán, a non-profit organisation, to provide comprehensive services for all children in the Tallaght west area.
Atlantic Philanthropies, in its work with children, aims to help more organisations offer high-quality, evidence-based services in areas such as early education and family support services.
