Community radio and television stations in Ireland have been offered €840,000 to develop their services and strengthen their work with local communities.
The offers are being made by Coimisiún na Meán under its new Community Media Scheme, supporting station outreach, governance, administration, fundraising and training for volunteer teams and boards.
Awards range from €32,000 for Tipp Mid-West Radio, to €65,000 for both Athlone Community Radio and Dublin South FM.
One project at a community radio station in the west of Ireland will provide professionally supported work placements for disabled people alongside Irish language training built around local folklore.
Another station will receive support to reduce its administrative workload and improve governance and fundraising, while a separate project will promote the Irish language and extend outreach to schools, universities and community groups.
In Dublin, a community station will provide accredited QQI training and organise a public Community Open Day as part of its plans to develop volunteers and encourage more community involvement.
Coimisiún na Meán Media Development Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “The funding recommended will support the sector by strengthening organisational and operational capacity, enhancing skills development through training, enabling Community Media organisations to better serve diverse audiences, promote social inclusion, and foster active citizenship.”
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: “Community radio and television stations are largely volunteer-led organisations that are run by dedicated people who help keep people connected to their communities.”
The scheme follows a recommendation made by the Future of Media Commission in its 2022 report. A full list of successful applicants is available on the regulator’s website.
