Coimisiún na Meán has today (23.07.2026) opened applications for the Community Media Scheme. The Scheme aims to support a sustainable, inclusive and participative community media sector that delivers social benefit for communities across Ireland.
The Community Media Scheme is open to existing licenced community television and radio broadcasters across Ireland. Funding can be provided for activities including training, community outreach and the advancement of the Irish language, and initiatives that support inclusivity and accessibility.
Up to €1m has been allocated to the new Scheme by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Applications close at 12pm on 20 August 2026.
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: ‘’Community broadcasters play an important role at the heart of the communities they serve, as a familiar local voice and as a crucial source of local information. As volunteer-led broadcasters, we recognise the unique role that community media plays in Ireland’s media landscape, and the need for continued support for the sector. Coimisiún na Meán is dedicated to the development of a media landscape that is sustainable, pluralistic and participative, and I would encourage all eligible community broadcasters to apply for the new Scheme before the closing date. I would also like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Minister Patrick O’Donovan in providing funding for this Scheme.’’
Speaking recently, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “Community media is run by the providers of the radio or TV service for the benefit of the communities they serve. As a largely volunteer-led endeavour, community media gives members of the community a voice, encourages community engagement and brings acknowledged social benefits. The new Community Media scheme being opened today by Coimisiún na Meán complements other supports to the sector, including the social benefit round under Sound and Vision scheme which is content-focussed. On the other hand, this new scheme focuses on organisational development, governance, volunteer capacity, community participation, accessibility and long-term sustainability, areas where I believe targeted investment has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for the community media sector. I encourage the sector to apply early and make full use of the funding available to enhance the resilience and capacity of their organisations.”
The establishment of a Community Media Scheme was a recommendation of the Report of the Future of Media Commission, published in 2022.