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Supporting Healthier Communities in Dundalk and Drogheda

The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme is a national programme that aims to reduce health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing in communities facing greater levels of disadvantage.

The programme is a Healthy Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Health and coordinated locally by Louth County Council and the HSE.

In County Louth, the programme focuses on communities in Dundalk and Drogheda. It supports people of all ages to live healthier lives through local services, community projects, and wellbeing initiatives.

What are health inequalities?

Health inequalities happen when some people have poorer health or face more challenges in staying healthy than others.

These differences are often linked to factors such as:

  • Income
  • Housing
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Access to services
  • The environment where people live

Research shows that our health is influenced by more than healthcare services alone. The conditions in which we are born, grow up, live, work and age can have a major impact on our health and quality of life.

Reducing health inequalities means looking at all these factors and working together to improve them.

How does the programme work?

The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme in Drogheda and Dundalk is community-led. This means local people help identify priorities and shape the activities and projects supported by the programme.

By working with residents, community groups and local organisations, the programme helps identify local needs and supports actions that can make a real difference to people's lives and deliver sustainable health equality outcomes.

The programme supports:

  • Community development and community engagement activities
  • Health and wellbeing projects based on local needs
  • Better access to health services and supports
  • Programmes that encourage healthier lifestyles

Who coordinates the programme in Louth?

Drogheda and Dundalk each have a dedicated Sláintecare Healthy Communities Development Officer.

The Development Officers work on behalf of Louth County Council and the Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

They:

  • Work with local communities to identify needs and priorities
  • Build partnerships with community groups and organisations
  • Coordinate local activities and projects
  • Support initiatives that improve health and wellbeing
  • Help make sure local people have a voice in programme decisions
  • Collaborate with colleagues from across Louth County Council on projects that respond to local needs and support better health outcomes

The Development Officers work closely with residents, community groups, the HSE, the Department of Health, and colleagues across Louth County Council. Together, they help develop programmes and activities that respond to local needs and support healthier communities.

Have an idea for a project that could improve health and wellbeing in your community?

A key part of the programme is providing funding and support for local projects that improve health and wellbeing.

The Development Officers oversee the allocation and monitoring of programme funding in Drogheda and Dundalk. Community groups, voluntary organisations and local partners are encouraged to contact our local Development Officer to explore opportunities for collaboration, access support, and help develop new initiatives that respond to local needs.

Some of the local initiatives we have supported include:

Sailing into Wellness

The Sailing into Wellness Programme helps participants improve their physical and mental wellbeing through sailing and outdoor activity. The four-week programme provides participants from the Red Door Project in Drogheda and Turas in Dundalk with the opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of being on the water. Participants develop confidence, teamwork, trust, and resilience while learning new skills in a supportive environment.

Louth Traveller Movement Wellbeing Programme

Delivered by Louth Traveller Movement the Wellbeing Programme supports the health and wellbeing of Traveller men, women and families in Dundalk. The programme includes a family summer camp, wellbeing outings, men's wellbeing and inclusion event, and a community gardening project. Through community-led and culturally appropriate activities, the initiative aims to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen connections with local health and wellbeing supports.

Connecting Voices Initiative

The Connecting Voices Initiative, delivered by the Lifestyle Development Group, Drogheda, supports people to improve their wellbeing, build resilience and strengthen community connections. The programme offers workshops, nature-based activities and Capacitar Training, helping individuals and local organisations develop skills that support wellbeing, personal growth and trauma-informed practice.

Place Standard Tool Muirhevnamor

The Place Standard Tool provides locals with an opportunity to share their experiences of living in the area and identify what is working well, as well as where improvements may be needed. It explores topics such as public spaces, housing, transport, community facilities, safety, and social connections. The feedback gathered builds a clear picture of the community's priorities and informs plans and investments for the future.

Find Out More

For more information about the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme in County Louth, please contact:

Alison Caldwell
Sláintecare Healthy Communities Development Officer, Drogheda
Email: alison.caldwell@louthcoco.ie

or

Cormac McGee
Sláintecare Healthy Communities Development Officer, Dundalk
Email: cormac.mcgee@louthcoco.ie