SÍOL Funding set to help disadvantaged urban areas in Louth
Drogheda has been selected to benefit from the Government’s new SÍOL (Scéim Infheistíochta ag Obair Le Chéile) programme
Drogheda has been selected to benefit from the Government’s new SÍOL (Scéim Infheistíochta ag Obair Le Chéile) programme, it was announced today, with SÍOL funding set to support projects that tackle deprivation and improve quality of life, with a particular focus on marginalised communities.
The new initiative will provide targeted investment in urban areas across the country with the highest levels of disadvantage, which the Government says will deliver on a commitment in the Programme for Government to support communities most in need.
Under the scheme, eligible local authorities will be invited to apply for funding through an annual Call for Proposals. The programme will support projects that tackle deprivation and improve quality of life, with a particular focus on marginalised communities.
SÍOL funding will help deliver community safety initiatives, improvements to public spaces, health and wellbeing projects, and education and training opportunities for people living in disadvantaged urban areas.
The following types of projects will be considered eligible for funding:
- Community Safety Projects – including traffic calming projects, infrastructure and zebra crossings.
- Public Realm works/Built Environment Projects – includes items such as bus shelters, benches, parks, trees, planters, bins, recycling, EV charging points, fixing broken windows and slates, and painting of derelict buildings.
- Projects that support health and wellbeing initiatives for communities; for example - providing equipment to a community gym or outdoor gym/equipment for fitness classes/bike lending schemes/community clubs such as boxing gyms/snooker halls. Could also include initiatives such as foodbanks, community gardens or allotments.
- Funding for projects that support access to education and training in community settings; for example - purchase of equipment that facilitates or delivers training, upskilling or afterschool clubs, etc.
The announcement forms part of a wider national investment, with €5 million being made available in 2026 across 15 eligible areas, including Drogheda. A further €31.5 million has been committed through the National Development Plan to support the programme until 2030, providing long-term certainty for participating communities.
News of Drogheda’s inclusion in the scheme has been welcomed by Louth political representatives, Erin McGreehan TD and Paula Butterly TD.
Deputy McGreehan said that, “this targeted investment has the potential to make a real and lasting difference for communities in Drogheda.
“The multi-annual funding available to the local authority will provide a catalyst for positive change, supporting projects that improve public spaces, strengthen community safety and create new opportunities through education and training.
“By investing in people and communities, this programme will help ensure that those who need support most can benefit from opportunities that improve quality of life and build a stronger future for Drogheda.”
Deputy Butterly welcomed the inclusion of Drogheda’s Fair Gate and West Gate in the new SÍOL Programme, saying that the investment “builds on the significant funding already secured for Drogheda in recent years”.
“Fair Gate and West Gate have been recognised as priority areas for investment, and I’m very pleased to see Drogheda included in this announcement,” said Deputy Butterly.
“This funding adds to the substantial supports already delivered Drogheda, strengthening the ongoing work to improve public spaces and community wellbeing. Drogheda has benefited from major Government investment in recently, and today’s announcement continues that positive momentum.”