New SÍOL Programme to target disadvantaged areas launched in Ballymun with Minister Calleary

Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West welcomed the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, to Ballymun to launch the new SÍOL Programme this week.

This programme, which amounts to a €5 million commitment in 2026 to support Ballymun and 14 other areas across the country, will deliver targeted investment to communities experiencing the greatest levels of disadvantage based on the Pobal Deprivation Index.

Welcoming the launch in Ballymun, Deputy McAuliffe said: _“I welcome this morning’s visit by Minister Dara Calleary to launch the new national SÍOL Programme in Ballymun. The Programme is a €31 million commitment to support disadvantaged areas across the country to deliver investment through local councils.

This fund will assist councils to deliver local area improvements to the 15 selected areas of significant deprivation based on the Pobal Deprivation Index. The fund will increase next year which may allow other areas further up the deprivation index to also benefit.

It is intended that this scheme will partner the Empowering Communities Programme which has operated in Finglas South for the past few years. This is a very welcome commitment and should allow local councillors to work with officials to identify local improvements and increase the resources available to the local area committee.” _