€1m in funding secured for long-awaited Jigsaw service in Waterford

Funding has been secured for the implementation of a Jigsaw service in Waterford.

Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D is today announcing a Jigsaw youth mental health service for Waterford and the South-East, having secured €1m funding for the service in Budget 2026 yesterday.

Jigsaw is a national centre that offers mental health supports for young people aged 12-25. 

There are Jigsaw centres located in high-population areas across Ireland, however Waterford has been left waiting, leading to increased calls for the implementation of the service.

Waterford Comhairle na nÓg have strongly advocated for the service and met with Minister Butler earlier this year to discuss the need for a Jigsaw in the South East.

A premises is in the process of being secured by Waterford City & County Council for the service to be based in Waterford City with outreach to West Waterford, South Kilkenny and South Wexford.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler said:

“I believe every young person should have access to an early intervention service for mild and moderate mental health issues. I am really pleased to have been able to secure €1m in recurring funding for the establishment of a Jigsaw youth mental health service for Waterford and South East.

“I’ve worked really hard over the past two years to secure the funding, the premises, and the organisation to deliver a service like this, and I want to thank Waterford Comhairle na nÓg for their support and advocating to bring this service to the South East. 

"Jigsaw is a really important service that can intervene in mental health issues early, helping young people to move forward and get on with their lives and fulfil their potential. This is a great day for Waterford, and for the young people of the South East”.