Minister Calleary announces Mayo recipients under 'eradication of poverty' initiative

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has announced that 49 organisations have been approved for funding under the 2026 UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty initiative.

The list of organisations includes three from Mayo: Food Forests Ireland; St. Vincent de Paul Mayo; and Tacú Family Resource Centre.

The annual United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, held on October 17, is an opportunity to acknowledge and express solidarity with people who experience poverty and social exclusion in Ireland, Europe and around the world.

Each year the department supports initiatives to promote public awareness of the day. This year, in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the department provided additional funding to support anti-poverty groups to organise activities to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

This expanded funding allows a broader range of initiatives to be funded this year, supporting the presidency programme which seeks to demonstrate that a more equal and socially inclusive society provides economic and social cohesion dividends, strengthening the quality of life and standard of living of people.

Minister Calleary, welcoming the announcement, commented: “During the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I am delighted to support 49 organisations across the country through this year's UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Initiative. We, in government, are committed to reducing poverty and making Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the EU.

“These organisations play a vital role in their communities, helping to ensure that the voices and experiences of those affected by poverty are heard and understood. The funded events will encourage awareness, participation and dialogue, while highlighting the importance of working together to address poverty and social exclusion.”

The successful projects represent a diverse range of community and voluntary organisations and will deliver events across the country, including workshops, discussions, cultural activities, awareness campaigns and community gatherings. These events will provide opportunities for people with lived experience of poverty to share their perspectives and contribute to discussions on building a more inclusive society.

The minister thanked all organisations that submitted applications and acknowledged the continued commitment of community and voluntary groups working to promote social inclusion and support those experiencing disadvantage.