Funding to support participation of women and diversity in Clare for local elections

CLARE County Council is to receive more than €5,000 to support the participation of women and diversity in the 2024 local elections.  

The funding announcement has been made by the Minister for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell - six months ahead of polling day.

A total of €205,568 has been allocated to support 26 local authorities and one regional women’s caucus in their activities to encourage the increased participation of women and diversity in the 2024 Local Elections.  

A total of €5,200 has been approved for Clare County Council .

Commenting after making the announcement, Mr O’Donnell said: “Council chambers all around this country are places where the voices of our communities can both be heard and help to shape the places in which we live - it is crucially important, therefore, that our council chambers are fully reflective of the communities that they represent." 

He added: “The funding is an integral part of a broader programme of initiatives aimed at encouraging gender balance and diversity at local government level. This scheme is now in its fifth year, with this year seeing the highest level of funding made available to date.”

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Included among the projects selected for funding nationally, were informational workshops for community groups, training and capacity building on online harassment for current women councillors, International Women’s Day events and an information seminar aimed at women from different migrant backgrounds. 

The scheme also includes funding for local and regional-level women’s caucuses. Research has shown that local level caucuses strengthen cooperation between women in political life across party and ideological lines and also strengthen their capacity to affect change. 

“As the 2024 local elections draw closer, a significant effort is crucial to encourage women and people from diverse backgrounds to run for election, and to support those who have already decided to run. Local authorities rightly recognise the importance of diversity and gender balance at local level - in that regard, I am very pleased my department is able to assist them as we work towards our shared goal of making the role of councillor more accessible and sustainable for all,” commented Mr O'Donnell.

Next year's local elections will take place in early June.