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 inclusion of Ballinasloe in a major new national regeneration programme that will bring significant long-term investment to communities experiencing disadvantage, saying it will deliver lasting benefits for Ballinasloe and the wider East Galway region.

Under the new SÍOL programme, the Ballinasloe Urban, Ballinasloe Rural, Killure and Aughrim electoral divisions have been selected to benefit from the initiative. Minister Canney also welcomed the inclusion of Wellpark, Mervue and Ballybane in Galway City, ensuring communities in both Galway City and County will benefit from the investment.

Minister Canney spoke at the national launch of the SÍOL programme in Dublin on Wednesday.

SÍOL, meaning ‘Seed’, stands for Scéim Infheistíochta ag Obair Le Chéile (Working Together Investment Scheme). The programme will provide €5 million in funding during 2026 across 15 urban areas, with a further €31.5 million in capital funding secured through to 2030. It will support projects that improve public spaces, strengthen community facilities, enhance health and wellbeing, improve community safety and increase access to education, training and employment opportunities.

Government has also agreed that they will positively discriminate towards these areas for other important grant schemes, to further support community development.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “This is excellent news for Ballinasloe and for communities across East Galway. Ballinasloe is an important regional town with enormous potential, and this programme recognises that targeted investment can make a real difference in improving quality of life and creating new opportunities for local people. Coupled with the fact that these areas will be positively discriminated towards when it comes to other vital schemes, it means they will be supported in developing their communities even further.”

“Having previously served as Minister of State in the Department of Rural and Community Development, I know first-hand the value of investing in communities. The SÍOL programme will empower local people to shape projects that strengthen neighbourhoods, improve public spaces and create lasting opportunities for future generations.”

Government has also agreed that they will positively discriminate towards these areas for other important grant schemes, to further support community development.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will now invite local authorities to submit projects under the programme, with successful projects expected to be announced later this year.

The SÍOL programme is a new Government initiative designed to support urban communities experiencing concentrated disadvantage through long-term investment in community development, local infrastructure and public realm improvements. It will be delivered in partnership with local authorities and local communities to ensure projects reflect local needs and priorities.