Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the announcement that Drogheda has been selected to benefit from the Government’s new SÍOL (Scéim Infheistíochta ag Obair Le Chéile) programme.

The new initiative will provide targeted investment in urban areas with the highest levels of disadvantage, delivering 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 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.

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said:

“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.”

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.

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Note to Editor:

The following types of projects will be considered eligible for funding:

1. Community Safety Projects – including traffic calming projects, infrastructure and zebra crossings.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.