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 the €4 million New Solutions Social Innovation Pilot Grant Scheme, which includes a central role of the Western Development Commission in delivering the programme.

The two-year fund, co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, will support a minimum of 40 early-stage social innovation projects across Ireland. Grants of between €70,000 and €100,000 will be provided to initiatives ready to trial and test new ideas tackling social exclusion and disadvantage.

The programme will be delivered through the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub by a consortium led by Rethink Ireland and comprising the Western Development Commission, Dublin City University, the Local Development Companies Network, Údarás na Gaeltachta and The Wheel, ensuring strong regional engagement.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “This €4 million investment provides a real opportunity for communities to develop and test innovative solutions to some of our most pressing social challenges.”

The scheme will focus on increasing access to employment and education for disadvantaged groups, supporting young people at risk of poverty and exclusion, and harnessing sport for social development.

In addition to grant funding, successful applicants will receive mentoring, training and capacity-building supports.

Applications are open until 13 March 2026 at 6pm. Online application clinics will take place on 18 and 25 February.