Galway town chosen for new data driven regeneration funding for disadvantaged urban areas
Ballinasloe, Co Galway, is one of the towns chosen for the brand-new data driven SÍOL programme which provides funding to enhance disadvantaged urban areas.
Both urban and rural areas of Ballinasloe as well as Killure and Aughrim have been chosen as the divisions eligible to apply for funding under the new SÍOL programme.
Launched on July 8, the programme is inspired by the RAPID (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development) programmed closed in 2011. SÍOL takes CSO data combined with the public deprivation index, and targets disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
Local authorities can apply with community safety projects, health and wellbeing initiatives, community education and training as well as public realm works and environmental projects.
“Being one of only 15 areas selected nationally is a significant endorsement of our community and creates a real opportunity to secure investment in the issues that matter most to local people,” Galway County Councillor Evelyn Parsons told the Irish Independent.
Nearly €32 million will be made available through 2030 to support the 15 areas chosen. In 2026, €5 million will be available for the them.
This comes shortly after the official launch of the Ballinasloe Town Centre First Plan. The plan was driven by a team of community members to enhance the urban centre of Ballinasloe.
“SÍOL also complements the work already underway through the Town Centre First Plan, THRIVE funding and a range of other regeneration initiatives. These programmes are not operating in isolation - they are building on one another and creating real momentum for Ballinasloe,” Cllr Parsons added.