€192,200 in funding approved to support women and diverse candidates in local elections

Funding of €192,200 has been approved to support and help increase the number of female and diverse candidates in the next local elections due to be held in 2024.

Minister for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke signed off on the funding for 18 local authorities and one regional women’s caucus.

“There is a significant underrepresentation of women and people of diversity in local government, and therefore I have spent much of my time as Minister working to address this imbalance,” Minister Burke said.

“My Department and I are passionate about supporting our councils to be more reflective of the breadth and diversity of the communities they serve.

“Over the past few years, I have approved significant funding aimed at promoting the participation of women and people of diversity in local government across various funding streams.”

The funding stream being announced today is now in its fourth year, and has proven to be “very popular,” says Minister Burke.

“Local authorities submitted proposals which work specifically towards the 2024 elections, and for the first time this year were asked to focus on the worrying trend of online abuse directed at elected officials.

“This year the scheme also incorporates a previously separate scheme aimed at local level women’s caucuses, in order to streamline the process for local authorities.

“Research has shown that local level caucuses strengthen cooperation between women in political life across party lines and create a space for women to engage more on policy and issues which affect their work.”

A variety of projects have been selected for funding, including community events, mentoring programmes, workshops for secondary school students, as well as capacity-building training both online and in-person.

“Local authorities across the country recognise the importance of diversity and gender balance at local level,” said Minister Burke.

“As the local elections in 2024 loom closer, now is the time for us all to redouble our efforts in making the role of the councillor more accessible and sustainable for all.”