Lack of facilities cited as main barrier to youth recreation
A lack of facilities is one of the main reasons why teenagers do not get involved in recreational activities, according to a study commissioned by the Government.
Almost one-quarter of the teenagers involved in consultations on the establishment of a new recreation policy for young people said a lack of facilities was the greatest barrier towards participation.
Around the same number said the cost of taking part in activities was prohibitive, while just 4% said their lack of involvement was due to laziness.
The research found that the most popular recreational facilities among teenagers would be a comfortable place where they can "hang out" with friends without getting into trouble.
Youth cafes and drop-in centres were cited as good examples of such facilities along with youth clubs and sporting organisations, particularly the GAA.
