Councils are to be given an additional €six million to improve disadvantaged areas of the country, the Government announced today.
The extra funding will help with the development of towns and estates by upgrading sports, cultural and community facilities.
The Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche, said the cash boost would allow local authorities to address social disadvantage.
"The funding programme is new and will be in addition to existing grants and supports allocated to local authorities to support community development and tackle social exclusion," he said.
"Projects from within local authorities or from the community, in partnership with the local authority, are eligible under this scheme with new initiatives particularly welcome."
Improvements in access for the disabled will also be included in the grant scheme.
Mr Roche added that other initiatives may also qualify for funding. Local authorities have been invited to submit project proposals by May 19.
Grants of at least €100,000 are available for each project selected.