From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, today (Monday 14 December) announced that he has approved funding to a number of Local Authorities to support activities to encourage the participation of women and people of diverse communities in local government.
On announcing these supports, which came as a result of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage issuing a call for funding to all Local Authorities, Minister Burke said:
"I am pleased to see such an enthusiastic response from our councils to the call for applications. The variety of exciting and innovative initiatives that were proposed shows the interest and commitment that Local Authorities have to ensure more gender balance and diversity in Local Government.
"In total, fifteen Local Authorities will receive funding of €143,617 for twenty-three projects over the next 12 months. This is part of a wider programme of supports and a determined effort by Government, working with key stakeholders, to promote gender balance and wider diversity in local government."
The successful projects were selected based on numerous criteria, such as supporting existing councillors, engagement with potential future candidates, creating an awareness of local government and intended impact on the targeted sector. Local authorities were also asked to consider the findings of Department funded research previously carried out by the National Women’s Council of Ireland and the Immigrant Council of Ireland, as well as the recommendations set out in the Moorhead Review of the Role and Remuneration of Councillors.
The Minister noted that:
"The participation and retention of skilled and experienced councillors is fundamental to effective local government.
"I am pleased to support programmes involving research, capacity building, training and networking, led and delivered at local level, that will engage and retain talented individuals in local government that fully represent our society."
A total of €143,617 has been allocated to fifteen local authorities:
Carlow County Council: Baseline and Attitudes Survey - Contribution: €5,000
Clare County Council upgrade of the 365 Exchange Plan licences to MS 365 Business Basic - Cost; €6,367
Cork City Council: Shape Your City; Women and Diversity in Local Government 2021 - Cost: €5,900
Cork County Council: Establishment of a Female Councillor Caucus - Cost: €5,000
Dublin City Council: Kathleen Clarke Commemorative Series, Comhairle na nÓg programme & Womens Committee - Cost €25,000
Kildare County Council: Mentoring Programme, Guest Speakers, Online and Community Engagement, Register of Electors initiatives and Diversity & Equality protocols - Cost: €14,000
Kilkenny County Council; Development of a Migrant-Councillor Forum over the period 2021-2024 - Contribution €10,350 for year one of three year programme
Limerick City and County Council: Support for the Limerick Women’s Caucus & Capacity Building - Cost €12,000
Longford County Council: Information and Capacity Building Programme - Cost; €5,000
Louth County Council: Local Communications Campaign on Women in Local Government - Cost: €10,000
Meath County Council: Diversity Matters - Giving Voice to Migrant Views - Cost: €10,000
Monaghan County Council: Capacity building with elected members & establish a Women Assembly - Cost: €13,000
South Dublin County Council: Research into LE19 Experiences - Contribution: €10,000
Westmeath County Council: Networking & Information Booklet - Cost: €5,000
Wicklow County Council: Mentoring Programme, Training/Capacity Building and Information Workshops - Cost: €7,000
ENDS