A number of community-based programmes aimed at tackling alcohol-related harm among young people are to receive funding from the Government's dormant accounts fund.
More than €3.3 million has been allocated in support of dozens of projects aimed at curbing alcohol abuse, but also in promoting computer skills amongst disadvantaged young people.
A total of 17 projects tackling alcohol-related harm will received around €940,000 in support, with grants starting from €10,000.
The schemes will fund supports to strengthen community-based responses to alcohol-related harm, alcohol awareness programmes and alcohol-free cafes for young people.
North West Alcohol Forum in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, will receive the largest single allocation, €196,000, to implement a community mobilisation programme to address problems in the northwest.
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív said that alcohol abuse remained a cause of grave concern.
"Many people quite rightly enjoy social drinking in moderation, but abuse of alcohol, particularly amongst younger people, is one of the scourges of our modern society.
"The dreadful heartbreak and destruction of a person's life and of their family due to alcohol abuse simply has to be brought home to every person in this country."
More than €2.35 million will help support 39 groups seeking to provide greater access for disadvantaged young people to information and communications technology and training.
Northside Learning Hub of Thomondgate, Limerick, secured almost €160,000 to provide a learning centre.
"Raising the level of access and participation by increasing the numbers using IT is an important national goal in building an inclusive society," said Noel Ahern, Minister of State for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
"Many of the successful applicants to this funding measure are working with young people in the most disadvantaged areas of the country, and the funding...will allow these groups to provide greater IT access to these young people with a view to enhancing both educational and employment opportunities, particularly for those who have left, or are at risk of leaving, the formal education system."