Photo: Alison Caldwell and Cormac McGee, Louth County Council’s dedicated Sláintecare Healthy Communities Development Officers for Drogheda and Dundalk. Photography by Louth County Council
Louth County Council has launched the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme in Drogheda and Dundalk, with dedicated Development Officers appointed to support work in both towns.
The Healthy Ireland initiative, funded by the Department of Health and delivered locally by Louth County Council and the HSE, aims to reduce health inequalities through targeted, community-led projects and additional investment in local wellbeing.
Drogheda and Dundalk have been identified as priority areas under the national programme and will benefit from additional investment and targeted community-led initiatives designed to improve health and wellbeing.
The programme takes a community-led approach, working with residents, community groups, voluntary organisations, and local agencies to identify priorities and deliver real place-based responses to local needs. It also provides opportunities for community initiatives to access support and funding.
Speaking about the programme, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, said:
“Health is influenced by much more than access to healthcare. Factors such as housing, education, employment, transport, community connections and access to services all have a significant impact on people’s health and quality of life.
“Through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Louth County Council has an opportunity to work with communities and partner organisations to address these wider influences on health. This programme will help us deliver practical, long-term improvements that support healthier and more resilient communities across County Louth.”
Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr Declan Power, said:
“Everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of where they are born or where they live. The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme is about tackling inequalities and ensuring communities receive the support and investment they need to thrive.
“For Drogheda, this programme will create new opportunities to improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and support initiatives that help reduce the barriers that can lead to poorer health outcomes.”
Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr Andrea McKevitt, said:
“Our community groups, voluntary organisations and local services have a deep understanding of the challenges facing people in Dundalk because they work alongside them every day.
“The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme recognises the value of this local knowledge and experience. By working in partnership with community organisations and residents, we can develop initiatives that respond to real needs and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.”
To support the programme locally, Louth County Council has appointed two dedicated Sláintecare Healthy Communities Development Officers. Their role is to work with communities, build partnerships, support local initiatives, and coordinate projects that improve health and wellbeing.
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, commented:
“The strength of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme lies in its ability to align national investment with local knowledge, ensuring resources are targeted where they can have the greatest impact.
“Working in partnership with the HSE, the Department of Health and local communities, Louth County Council is committed to delivering projects and initiatives that improve wellbeing, strengthen community resilience and address the wider factors that influence health outcomes. The appointment of dedicated Development Officers in Drogheda and Dundalk will play a key role in turning this ambition into tangible results for local communities.”
Louth County Council is encouraging community groups, voluntary organisations, sports clubs, schools, residents’ associations and other local stakeholders in Drogheda and Dundalk to contact their local Development Officer to discuss ideas, explore partnership opportunities and develop new initiatives that support healthier communities.
For more information about the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme in Louth, visit www.louthcoco.ie.
