Minister Foley at a launch of the National LGBTIQ Inclusion Strategy
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today announced almost €130k in funding for projects in Louth and surrounding areas under the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund. The money is part of €1.7 million in funding for projects announced nationwide.
The government say the overall aim of the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund is to promote inclusion, protect rights and to improve quality of life and wellbeing for members of the LGBTIQ+ community enabling them to participate fully in Ireland's social, economic, cultural, and political life.
The breakdown for funding to the five projects in Louth and surrounding areas is:
Outcomers
Drogheda LGBT Support Group
Navan Pride CLG
Outcomers Drogheda
Queer Shed Louth/Meath
Grants of up to €100,000 are being provided to 43 LGBTIQ+ community service-based projects nationally.
Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan welcomes the announcement that LGBTIQ+ projects across the North East will receive funding under the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community and Services Fund.
The announcement was made today by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, who confirmed that €1.7 million in funding will support 43 local LGBTIQ+ projects nationwide.
Louth TD Deputy McGreehan said the funding represents an important investment in equality, inclusion, and community spirit, ensuring that “all our citizens feel included, accepted, and represented.”
“I am delighted that projects across the North East are included in todays funding. Drogheda LGBT Support Group has received €9,000 and Outcomers Drogheda will benefit from €94,558 for a number of groups across the North East under the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community and Services Fund. It is essential that our LGBTIQ+ friends, neighbours, and families feel represented and supported within our communities - that they feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are,” McGreehan said.
She praised the work of the local projects, noting their “dedication to making real change and standing up for equality every single day.”
“These groups are so important. They give, they support - and they help ensure that everyone, no matter their identity, feels safe, accepted, and loved. Coming to terms with your identity can be a challenging journey for some, and these local organisations play a crucial role in providing counselling, youth support, and community spaces where people can be their authentic selves.”
Concluding, McGreehan expressed gratitude to Minister Norma Foley for her continued support of inclusion and equality:
“I want to thank my colleague, Minister Foley, for her leadership in delivering this funding to 43 projects nationwide. To the organisers, volunteers, and advocates who make these initiatives possible, your work is invaluable, and your commitment is helping to build a kinder, fairer Ireland.”
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to announce this funding for projects at a national, regional and local level to ensure that LGBTIQ+ persons across Ireland can avail of these crucial supports and continue to thrive in their communities.
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“Funding of over €1.7 million will enable 43 organisations to support LGBTIQ+ persons in a range of ways including frontline community supports, counselling services, youth supports and Pride celebrations.
“The continued interest in the Community Services Fund over the last five years demonstrates the willingness of communities around the country to support LGBTIQ+ persons.
“The National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028 was also published this year and outlines the government’s commitment to responding to continued challenges facing the LGBTIQ+ community and ensuring they are supported in realising their rights."
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