The Wheel Welcomes New Government Strategy for Community and Voluntary Sector

The Wheel has welcomed the publication of the Government’s new five-year Strategy to Support the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland, launched in Dublin on Tuesday 13 October 2026. .

The strategy sets out a long-term vision for the future of Ireland’s communities and recognises the vital contribution made by community and voluntary organisations across Irish society.

The Wheel has been closely involved in the consultation process over the past 18 months, contributing to the development of a strategy that responds to the evolving needs and challenges facing the sector.

The new strategy builds on the first national strategy for the sector, launched in 2019, while reflecting a changing landscape in which community organisations and their staff face growing threats, and civic space is under increasing pressure.

The Wheel also welcomes the stronger connection with the European context, including links to the EU Civil Society Strategy, commitment to strengthening cooperation across the island, and the greater recognition of environmental issues within the strategy.

Commenting on the publication, Dónall Geoghegan, Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Wheel, said:

“The publication of this strategy is a welcome step towards recognising and supporting the essential role that community and voluntary organisations play in Ireland. However, its success will depend on effective implementation across Government.

While welcoming the publication, The Wheel emphasises that these commitments must translate into tangible improvements in the operating environment for organisations, enabling them to plan for the long term, retain staff, develop their capabilities and deliver sustainable services to the communities they serve.

“Budget 2027 did not address some of the sector’s key concerns around adequate funding and multiannual funding, despite these issues being raised repeatedly over many years. We hope this new strategy, backed by meaningful commitments from all Government Departments, will help deliver the long-term, sustainable funding arrangements the sector needs. The real test will be whether the strategy leads to practical changes that strengthen organisations, protect civic space and enable communities across Ireland to thrive.

The Wheel calls for an implementation of the strategy by all Governmental Departments to guarantee its success. The sector is broad and touch to many aspect of our society and therefore needs to be
Mr Geoghegan continued: “This cannot be seen as the strategy of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht alone. It must be a whole-of-government commitment, with every Department taking responsibility for the actions relevant to its work and ensuring that the sector receives the attention and support it deserves.”

“Ireland’s community and voluntary sector encompasses more than 35,000 organisations, including almost 12,000 registered charities, and employs approximately 282,000 people. These organisations deliver essential services and supports across disability services, homelessness, health and social care, arts and culture, climate action, community development, sport and many other areas.

“Their contribution reaches into every part of Irish life. The implementation of this strategy must reflect that breadth, with coordinated action across Government rather than responsibility resting with a single Department.”

The Wheel notes that the new strategy addresses longstanding challenges identified in the previous strategy, including the need for adequate funding, multiannual funding arrangements and investment in training and capacity-building for community and voluntary organisations.

“Organisations cannot plan effectively for the future when funding is uncertain or short-term. This affects their ability to retain skilled staff, respond to growing demand and provide continuity of services for the people and communities who depend on them.

Read Ar Scáth a Chéile: Promoting Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities (2026-2030)