Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, and Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Seán Canney TD, launched SÍOL, a new programme targeting investment at urban areas with the highest concentrations of disadvantage.

SÍOL — Scéim Infheistíochta ag Obair Le Chéile ("Working Together Investment Scheme") — is intended to fund projects that enhance public spaces, bolster health, wellbeing and community safety, and expand access to education and training in some of Ireland's most disadvantaged urban communities.

The Government has secured €31.5 million for the scheme through to 2030 under the National Development Plan. An initial €5 million will back initiatives across 15 locations in 2026, nine of which are in cities.

Minister Calleary said: "I am delighted to announce the new SÍOLprogramme today which will provide a solid foundation for ongoing targeted investment in urban areas where there is the most extreme disadvantage. "Since I was appointed as Minister in this Department, it has been one of my key priorities to implement a programme that tackles urban disadvantage. Working on the previous RAPID model, SÍOL, will make real differences in communities that need it most.

"The name SÍOL means 'Seed' and, much like a seed, it is my hope that the SÍOL programme will grow in the coming years to help more and more communities across the country."

The programme's design draws on data from the Central Statistics Office and the Pobal HP Deprivation Index, alongside analysis by the ESRI, to ensure resources are directed at the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods within selected towns and cities.

Minister Buttimer said: "In my 22 years as a public representative, I have seen first-hand how initiatives like this can have a profound, positive effect on communities that need it most. Interventions like this are a catalyst for momentum in building community.

"This programme is designed to provide investment into the communities that need it most. The local knowledge and expertise that will help deliver the programme will ensure that the funding is targeted to develop the community facilities and amenities that will have the most impact at a local level.

"A seed doesn't become a thriving plant overnight. It grows with care, commitment and patience. The funding that has been secured in the National Development Plan to support this new programme shows this Government's commitment to growing the programme in a sustainable manner over time."