SÍOL Programme 2026 – Expressions of Interest Invited
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has launched the SÍOL Programme 2026, a new capital investment scheme that will provide funding for initiatives in urban areas with the highest concentrations of disadvantage.
The Department's press release is available HERE .
The scheme is designed to target support to urban areas experiencing the highest levels of disadvantage, with a focus on delivering sustainable, long-term benefits to local communities. The programme will support capital projects that contribute to enhancing existing community recreation facilities and/or developing new accessible community facilities.
For Galway City, the scheme is strictly limited to projects located within the Electoral Divisions (EDs) of:
- Wellpark
- Mervue
- Ballybaan
Groups and organisations can check whether their project location falls within the eligible areas using the following map:
Galway City Electoral Divisions | Galway City Council Open Data
Please note that only projects located within one of the designated SÍOL areas can be considered for funding.
Eligible Applicants
Community and voluntary groups are invited to submit Expressions of Interest for projects that deliver sustainable, long-term benefits to their communities.
Eligible projects may include:
-
community safety projects
-
improvements to community facilities
-
public realm works
-
projects to support health and wellbeing initiatives
-
projects that support access to education and training in community settings
As SÍOL is designed to support large-scale capital projects, Galway City Council is seeking proposals in the approximate value range of €60,000 to €90,000.
Please note: All projects submitted under the SÍOL Programme must align with the objectives and priorities of the Galway City Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2024–2029. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project supports the goals of the LECP. The LECP 2024–2029 can be viewed LINK HERE
Proposed projects must be ready to commence on approval with landowner consents and planning permission must be in place at time of application
How to Apply
The following documents are available to download:
- SÍOL Programme Scheme Outline and Information Booklet – Insert link
- Expression of Interest Form – Insert link
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Scheme Guidelines in full before completing an Expression of Interest to ensure that their proposed project is eligible and that all programme requirements are met.
Further Information
For further information or assistance, please contact:
Oliver Lydon
Urban Community Development Officer
087 609 1460
✉️ oliver.lydon@galwaycity.ie
Submission Deadline
Completed Expressions of Interest must be submitted in Microsoft Word format by email to oliver.lydon@galwaycity.ie no later than 12.00 noon on Monday, 27 July 2026.