Government unveils new plan to empower communities
A transformative five-year strategy has been launched to strengthen Ireland’s community and voluntary sector. The initiative aims to foster inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment across all regions, enhancing civic engagement and social resilience nationwide.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Irish Government has introduced a comprehensive new strategy titled 'Ar Scáth a Chéile: Promoting Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities' to support the community and voluntary sector over the next five years. This ambitious framework was unveiled by Minister Dara Calleary, Minister Jerry Buttimer, and Minister Marian Harkin on 13 October 2026, emphasising the sector’s vital role as the backbone of Irish society.
The strategy outlines 43 key commitments structured around five strategic pillars designed to develop an inclusive, cohesive, and fairer society. Minister Calleary highlighted the Government’s dedication to fostering a stronger partnership with the sector, expecting the strategy to nurture a thriving, resilient community landscape. Minister Buttimer praised the sector’s contribution to social and climate justice and stressed the importance of empowering communities through enhanced participatory structures, such as Public Participation Networks. Meanwhile, Minister Harkin welcomed the focus on skills, learning, and capacity building, recognising investment in people as crucial to community strength.
Significantly, the plan addresses the unique needs of Gaeltacht areas and promotes all-island engagement through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund. It also advocates for digitalisation and supports creative community initiatives, alongside a reinforced role in tackling climate change. Developed collaboratively with sector representatives, the strategy builds on previous efforts to ensure communities have meaningful influence over decisions affecting them. Copies of the strategy are accessible on the official Government website for those seeking further information.
The strategy outlines 43 key commitments structured around five strategic pillars designed to develop an inclusive, cohesive, and fairer society. Minister Calleary highlighted the Government’s dedication to fostering a stronger partnership with the sector, expecting the strategy to nurture a thriving, resilient community landscape. Minister Buttimer praised the sector’s contribution to social and climate justice and stressed the importance of empowering communities through enhanced participatory structures, such as Public Participation Networks. Meanwhile, Minister Harkin welcomed the focus on skills, learning, and capacity building, recognising investment in people as crucial to community strength.
Significantly, the plan addresses the unique needs of Gaeltacht areas and promotes all-island engagement through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund. It also advocates for digitalisation and supports creative community initiatives, alongside a reinforced role in tackling climate change. Developed collaboratively with sector representatives, the strategy builds on previous efforts to ensure communities have meaningful influence over decisions affecting them. Copies of the strategy are accessible on the official Government website for those seeking further information.
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