Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of a new €3.5 million Disability Participation and Awareness Fund to support people with disabilities to take part more fully in community life.

The fund will support initiatives in sport, arts, employment and community activity, along with innovative supports such as animal-assisted programmes. Organisations can now apply through Rethink Ireland.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “This is a really positive step that will make a real difference in communities.

“It’s about participation – making sure people with disabilities have real opportunities to be involved in everyday life, whether that’s through sport, the arts or work.

The fund will support projects across:

• Community, sport and physical activity
• Arts and cultural participation
• Employment, social enterprise and apprenticeships
• Innovative wellbeing supports, including animal-assisted approaches

Since it was established, over €13.5 million has been invested in 60 organisations nationwide, supporting more than 5,000 people and helping over 150 people into employment or apprenticeships.

Minister Canney added: “In Galway, we’ve seen great examples of what’s possible through projects like Galway Community Circus. This funding will help more organisations do that kind of work.

“I’d strongly encourage groups to apply and bring forward ideas that can make communities more inclusive for everyone.”

Applications for the fund are now being accepted here:  https://rethinkireland.ie/current_fund/disability-participation-awareness-fund-4/