A new programme providing funds for initiatives in urban areas with the highest concentration of disadvantage will include Co. Cavan.
That’s according to the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.
Funding of €31.5 million has been secured up to 2030 in the National Development Plan to maintain the long-term delivery of the scheme.
€5 million was announced today to support 15 areas in 2026, including nine located in cities.
The new programme - SÍOL, ‘Seed’ in English, translates to the ‘Working Together Investment Scheme’.
The SÍOL programme is designed to deliver projects that improve public spaces, support health and wellbeing and community safety.
It will also provide access to education and training for people living in some of the most disadvantaged urban areas of the country.
In Co. Cavan, Cavan Town and its environs, Castletara and Ballyhaise areas will benefit.
Speaking to Northern Sound this morning, local TD, Brendan Smith welcomed the news.
He said: "I warmly welcome confirmation by the Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD that a new initiative to support urban areas with a high concentration of disadvantage will include Cavan Town and its environs, Castletara and Ballyhaise areas.
"These areas are not included in the Clár Programme which has significantly benefited most communities throughout Cavan and Monaghan over the years.
"This new initiative will provide funding to improve public spaces, health and wellbeing and access to better training opportunities. The Scheme will be administered at local level by Cavan County Council and Minister Calleary will be seeking proposals to enable the Scheme to commence this year."
