Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, has announced the commencement of a stakeholder consultation on the development of a new Government strategy to support the sector. 

The consultation will give organisations across the community and voluntary sector an opportunity to contribute to the new strategy. The Minister made the announcement on a visit to community projects supported by East Clare Community Co-operative Society Limited.

The announcement to develop a new whole-of-government strategy acknowledges the important role played by the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. It will reinforce the progress made under the current strategy: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024, which was extended into 2025.

The new strategy will look to build upon the structures, achievements and objectives of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities for the upcoming period 2026 – 2030. The development process itself will be rooted in the agreed set of values and principles for collaboration and partnership working with the community and voluntary sector at national and local level. These provide for foundation for all consultation, collaboration and partnership working between the community and voluntary sector and central and local government.

The development of the new strategy will be led by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Cross-Sectoral Group on local and community development. The Department will engage with national and local government and key stakeholders from the community and voluntary sector.

The new strategy will set out clear objectives, and specific actions to be implemented in a collaborative manner.

You can access the survey and find more information below: 
Consultation on a new Strategy to support the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland