Local Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, confirming that an additional €1,000 grant will be made available to all Community Employment (CE) sponsor organisations, including those across Louth, to assist with rising materials and operational costs.
Community Employment schemes play a vital role throughout towns and villages across Louth, delivering essential local services while providing valuable training and work experience to people who are long-term unemployed or otherwise disadvantaged.
There are 807 CE schemes nationwide, supporting almost 19,700 participants, with an overall allocation of more than €415 million in 2026. Louth is home to a wide range of CE-sponsored projects supporting services such as childcare, Tidy Towns, meals on wheels, community facilities, environmental initiatives and the upkeep of local amenities.
Welcoming the announcement, Erin McGreehan TD said:
“Community Employment schemes are the backbone of many communities across Louth. They not only provide meaningful employment, training and structure for participants, but they also ensure that vital services continue to operate in our towns and rural areas.
This additional €1,000 grant for CE sponsors will make a real difference on the ground, particularly at a time when rising costs are placing significant pressure on community and voluntary organisations.”
She added that CE sponsor organisations are facing increasing costs for insurance, tools, equipment, protective clothing and other essential materials required to keep schemes operating effectively.
“I regularly hear from CE sponsors and supervisors across Louth about the challenges of balancing budgets while maintaining high-quality services. This funding recognises those pressures and demonstrates a continued commitment by Fianna Fáil in Government to supporting Community Employment and the invaluable work it delivers locally.”
The additional €1,000 grant arises from Budget 2026 and is intended to support CE sponsor organisations with materials and consumable costs necessary for the effective delivery of services within their communities.
Deputy McGreean concluded by encouraging CE sponsors in Louth to engage with the Department to ensure they can access the funding as quickly as possible.
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
