Sing Ireland announced as Rethink Ireland Disability Participation and Awareness Fund awardee for 2026

Sing Ireland announced as Rethink Ireland Disability Participation and Awareness Fund awardee for 2026. Pictured are the Sing Ireland team and participants. Photo: Ruth Connolly

Rethink Ireland announces Sing Ireland Limerick as awardee of their 2026 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, have announced Sing Ireland as the Limerick awardee of the 2026 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund.

Sing Ireland is one of 19 innovative projects receiving funding of €2.9 million under the latest round of the fund, with each group receiving up to approximately €200,000 each, following a robust evaluation process.

The grants are being provided for projects to support people with disabilities to take part in community, sports and physical activities, arts and culture, employment, and to access assistance and therapy animal programmes. The process was operated on behalf of the department by Rethink Ireland.

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Announcing these most recent recipients of funding under the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund, Minister Foley said, “I am pleased to announce funding for a diverse range of projects that will support greater participation and inclusion for people with disabilities. They include a great programme from Swim Ireland to make local swimming pools more accessible for disabled people.

“There is funding for assistive technology initiatives, inclusive dance and singing programmes and the training of assistance dogs to support disabled people with practical, everyday tasks such as leaving the house independently and attending school, college or work. All these projects will help ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community life and realise their potential.”

Minister of State Higgins added, “These projects highlight the importance of building communities where accessibility, participation and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. Whether through assistive technology, inclusive arts programmes, accessible sporting opportunities, or animal assisted approaches, this funding will help create environments where people with disabilities can participate fully and confidently.

“Their impact will extend far beyond individual participants, helping to build greater understanding and create a more inclusive society for everyone.”

Pádraic Vallely, Head of Government and Strategic Partnerships for Rethink Ireland, said, “We are proud to support innovative, community-led solutions that remove barriers and create real opportunities for disabled people. Through this fund, we are backing organisations that are strengthening inclusion and enabling people to participate fully in their communities.”

Applications for this round of the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund opened last March. Each of the successful projects will receive both grants and non-financial support as part of the funding model.

Sing Ireland is the national organisation that supports all forms of group singing in Ireland. They engage with and inspire their singers, the wider group singing community and the general public to experience the life-enhancing impact of singing.