Funding to increase diversity in local government in Mayo
FUNDING of €192,650 has been announced under the Increasing the Participation of Women and Diversity in Local Government Call for Funding to Local Authorities by Minister of State Alan Dillon.
It includes funding of €9,300 for Mayo County Council which will support initiatives to increase diversity at local government level.
The scheme, which offers support to local authorities for projects which encourage the participation of women and diverse groups at local government level, is now in its sixth year. Building on the results of the 2024 local elections, the scheme has been extensively revised to offer further guidance to local authorities.
Announcing the funding, Minister Dillon said: “A record 681 female candidates stood in the June local elections, representing an almost 18% increase on the previous elections in 2019, while the number of migrant candidates participating almost doubled.
“It is my hope that with this funding we can capitalise on that enthusiasm and begin to see major shifts in the makeup of our local council chambers, making them more reflective of modern Ireland.”
The funding represents one element of a broader programme of activities carried out by the department aimed at increasing the participation of women and candidates from diverse backgrounds in local government. Funding is also offered to support NGOs who carry out essential training and research in the area, as well as to political parties and independent groups for projects which encourage participation at party level.
Allocations under a funding scheme aimed at facilitating hybrid council meetings, to allow for greater flexibility for those with caring responsibilities, will be announced later this year.
Added Minister Dillon: “The work of local councils has a powerful and direct impact on the places we live and the lives of those who live there. It is therefore of the utmost importance that our council chambers are fully reflective of our communities in all their diversity. “
A variety of projects have been selected for support under the scheme being announced, including social media training for councillors, International Women’s Day events, information sessions for TY students and funding for local level women’s caucuses.
“With this funding, we aim to make the most of the great progress seen in terms of candidacy in June. It is my hope that through our shared efforts we can see a truly representative local government by the next local elections in 2029,” concluded Minister Dillon.