From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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Minister for Local Government and Planning Kieran O’Donnell today announced funding of €230,372 to nine political parties and one independents group to support an increased number of women candidates and people of diversity running in the next Local Elections in 2024.
Speaking about the funding, Minister O’Donnell said:
“Research funded by my department has indicated that political parties play a crucial role in encouraging female and diverse participation at local level. Parties make an important difference in terms of early intervention, supporting and coaching candidates, and providing supports to ensure a successful and confident campaign.
“The funding to political parties and independents group announced today is one of a number of measures put in place by my department, aimed at increasing the numbers of women and diverse candidates running in local elections. In tandem with the funding to local authorities I announced last week, we intend that this initiative will support and encourage the increased participation of those groups, with the ultimate aim of making our local council chambers more reflective of the breadth and diversity of modern Ireland.”
This year, political parties and representative independents groups were invited to submit applications to fund activities specifically to support and prepare candidates, with the aim of achieving increased female and diverse participation in the local elections 2024. A variety of initiatives were selected for funding, including the appointment of equality and diversity officers within parties, the running of a number of women’s conferences, as well as training and capacity building for potential candidates.
In conclusion, the Minister said:
“Political parties and representative independents groups play an essential role in supporting and encouraging candidates, and therefore I am delighted that we are able to continue our collaboration. Funding has been offered under this scheme since 2019, with this year seeing the highest funding to date. The proposals approved for funding should greatly assist in a beneficial way in the run up to the local elections next year. It is my strong ambition that 2024 will bring more equal, accessible and sustainable local government for all.”
| Party | Funding approved |
| Aontú | €11,250 |
| Fianna Fáil | €39,070 |
| Fine Gael | €39,402 |
| Green Party | €36,250 |
| Labour Party | €31,600 |
| Reform Alliance | €5,400 |
| Independents | €7,000 |
| Sinn Fein | €20,000 |
| Social Democrats | €32,100 |
| Solidarity/PBP | €8,300 |
| Total | €230,372 |