Cork Gay Project highlights the need for more funding in budget

A pre-budget submission produced by LGBTQ+ organisations from across the country - including the Cork Gay Project - has called for significant investment in rural infrastructure for the LGBTQ community.

The submission was launched at a briefing for Oireachtas members in the AV Room at Leinster House, and was hosted by Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon.

‘Funding Inclusive Features: Budget 2027’ was produced by a coalition of 24 organisations. It highlights regional disparities in access to services and calls for a €50 million capital investment fund for dedicated community infrastructure outside of major cities.

It calls for the fund to be used to build, retrofit, and expand regional community facilities, ensuring geography is no longer a barrier to safety and belonging.

It warns short-term funding models leave regional areas isolated amid rising demand for mental health and sexual health support. Speakers at the launch of the submission warned resources are failing to reach rural and regional communities.

The submission details key targets to resolve these issues, and highlights the critical role that local hubs play in addressing isolation, mental health, and healthcare concerns.

Konrad Im, Manager of the Cork Gay Project said: “We continue to see a year-on-year increase in demand for supports and services, particularly from the most marginalised members of our community, while funding has failed to keep pace with this growing need.

“Like many community organisations across Ireland, our core funding has not increased in more than 15 years, significantly impacting our ability to deliver the high-quality services our community relies on.

“We strongly welcome the submissions’s call for increased investment in the community and voluntary sector to ensure organisations can continue to meet the rising demand for vital supports and to ensure the health and wellbeing needs of the community begin to be met,” he said.