€330K funding for Louth projects to support access to work for women

Two projects in Louth have been allocated a total of €330,941.09 in funding for projects to promote equal employment opportunities for women under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

It was announced today by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, as part of a €2 million funding package, which will see13 organisations in the State receive grant awards of between €100,000 and €200,000 each.

Further funding is expected to be made available to these projects over the remainder of the Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training (EIST programme) next year, which would bring their total funding to over €2 million.

In Louth, Dundalk Institute of Technology has been allocated €138,737.09 for its CareerARC Programme, and Now Training & Employment Enterprise CLG has been allocated €192,204.00 for Hidden Potential Employment Pathways.

The funding will support women in Ireland to pursue their ambition and achieve their potential in any field they may choose to pursue. It will also support women in attaining a fair share of economic and financial power.

News of the funding was welcomed by Louth Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn, who said that: "this funding is significant and will allow for two excellent projects in Louth help women access new employment, training and career opportunities.

"These initiatives will support women in overcoming barriers to work, developing new skills, and achieving their full potential. This investment demonstrates Government's commitment to promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive workforce.

"I congratulate Dundalk Institute of Technology and Now Training & Employment Enterprise CLG on securing this funding and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have across our county."

Funding is provided under the Gender Equality Action of the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027.

The EIST Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

The European Social Fund Plus represents a total investment of over €1.08 billion, including €508 million in EU funding and €573 million from the Government of Ireland.