Funding provided by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has been granted to 142 successful applications from across the country. The Community Water Development Fund, supports local communities enhance water quality in streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas around the country.
The scheme was first introduced in 2018, supporting projects and initiatives by local communities and groups that aim to enhance local water bodies to benefit water quality, biodiversity, and communities. The total amount sought in 2023 was twice the grant amount available. This growth in numbers of applicants is a good indication of community groups developing and leading on projects to enhance water bodies in their local area.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, said:
“These Community Water Development Fund grants will support local communities and groups to deliver projects that enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The fund is a fantastic support to encourage communities to take positive actions for water quality and biodiversity in their local area and recognises the great local initiatives led by communities to take care of water bodies in their local area.”
View the full report here: gov.ie – Grants totalling €520,000 to enhance water quality in streams, rivers, lakes and coastal communities (www.gov.ie)