Louth County Council allocates €100,000 for LGBTQ+ inclusion project

Louth County Council has allocated €100,000 in its 2026 budget for an LGBTQ+ inclusion project, marking a significant local government investment in diversity and inclusion programming. The project will deliver training, community engagement and policy development aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion across council services and the wider Louth community.

Gript revealed that the funding will support a range of initiatives including staff training on LGBTQ+ awareness, development of inclusive policies and procedures, and community outreach programmes. The council stated the project aims to ensure services are accessible and welcoming to LGBTQ+ residents whilst promoting broader cultural change within the organisation.

The allocation forms part of Louth County Council's broader equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which addresses multiple equality grounds including gender identity and sexual orientation. The project will be delivered over a 12-month period, with procurement of external expertise expected to support programme design and implementation.

Local authorities across Ireland have increasingly adopted formal equality and inclusion frameworks in recent years, reflecting legislative requirements under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty. Councils are required to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect human rights in their functions and employment practices.

The €100,000 budget will cover consultant fees, training materials, community engagement events and development of resources for staff and service users. The council indicated that the project will include consultation with LGBTQ+ community organisations and stakeholders to ensure programming reflects identified needs.

Implementation will involve multiple council departments including human resources, community development and corporate services. The project represents one of several equality-focused initiatives funded through the council's 2026 budget allocations.

Access the full details on Louth County Council's LGBTQ+ inclusion project and procurement plans.