The Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD, has announced new funding of €174,517 for See Her Elected (SHE), an initiative dedicated to increasing women’s participation in local politics, particularly from rural Ireland. The funding marks a significant increase—around 60%—since the programme’s original grant in 2019, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to gender equality in political representation.
Minister Cummins highlighted that the 2024 local elections saw a record number of female candidates and the highest proportion of women elected in Ireland’s history. However, he noted that more work is needed to ensure council chambers fully reflect the communities they represent, emphasizing the vital role organizations like See Her Elected play in achieving this goal.
Founded in response to concerns over the under-representation of women in county councils across the northwest and midlands, See Her Elected helps women build confidence, skills, and political knowledge through peer learning and community support. The programme has since expanded nationwide, working with local authorities across rural Ireland. Its current priorities include supporting the retention of female councillors elected in 2024 and preparing new candidates for the 2029 local elections.
Minister Cummins commended SHE’s impact, noting that around 35% of women councillors who ran in 2024 benefited from the programme’s support. He reaffirmed that his department will continue to back initiatives that foster inclusivity and ensure local government mirrors Ireland’s diverse and modern communities.
