Irish mutual insurer IPB Insurance has today announced plans to invest €3 million in social initiatives for the period 2024 to 2026. The funding is drawn from the company’s Corporate Social Engagement (CSE) Fund which supports initiatives for social benefit. The company commenced its Corporate Social Engagement Fund in 2012 on behalf of its Members and, to date, has allocated to support

Today’s announcement covers three areas of focus for investment. The Fund will involve the investment of €150,000 in using football as a tool for social inclusion through the renewal of its partnership with the FAI Late Night Leagues in association with An Garda Siochana. Additionally, a €200,000 commitment to promote music education secures the extension of the already successful ETB Music Instrument Fund in partnership with Music Generation. The third area of focus will see a major investment in Active Travel safety and education in partnership and consultation with the Department of Transport and key stakeholder agencies.

The investment in Active Travel is being undertaken in partnership with the Department of Transport and will include engagement with key stakeholders in the delivery of Active Travel infrastructure, road safety and sustainable travel. IPB and the Department of Transport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a funding programme to support initiatives that promote safety, particularly for school children.

Announcing the details of the Fund, John Kearns, CEO of IPB Insurance said, “As a Mutal whose Members serve the public and their communities, we are committed to playing our part in partnership with our Members to build a better Ireland. I am pleased to announce a €3 million investment in social engagement initiatives across education, sport and active travel that is strategically aligned with our Members in addressing social needs within their communities.”

IPB Chair, John Hogan said, “At our core is our mutual ethos, which is about working together with our Local Authority and ETB Members to protect their insurable interests in support of their objectives, namely, to serve the needs of the public and wider communities. At IPB we believe in contributing to wider society and playing an active role in creating better communities and helping to address social needs. Our Members are immersed in society providing vital services therefore our approach is closely aligned to their aspirations.

The €3 million announced today will impact communities in every local authority area across the country. I want to thank our Members for their support and all our partners involved in these initiatives for their commitment and energy to make a meaningful difference to the issues being addressed.”

The event was also attended by representatives from CSE Fund programme partners and related stakeholders including local authority and ETB representatives, the FAI, Music Generation, the Road Safety Authority and An Taisce.