Drehid Community Grant Scheme 2026 (Ireland)

The Drehid Community Grant Scheme 2026 provides funding to eligible local community organisations within a 9km radius of the Drehid Waste Management Facility to support environmental, recreational, and community projects. Grants are available for phased, multi-year, and planning-stage initiatives that help mitigate the impact of the landfill facility. Only organisations that previously received Drehid funding up to 2024 are eligible to apply in 2026.

What Is the Drehid Community Grant Scheme 2026?

The Drehid Community Grant Scheme 2026 is a local funding initiative designed to support community-led projects that reduce or mitigate the impact of the Drehid landfill facility on surrounding communities.

The scheme focuses on improving environmental quality, recreational infrastructure, and overall community wellbeing near the Drehid Waste Management Facility.

Funding is targeted at organisations located within a 9km radius of the facility. In limited cases, applications slightly outside this boundary may be considered.

Purpose of the Grant Scheme

The scheme aims to:

• Mitigate the environmental and social impact of landfill operations

• Enhance recreational and community facilities

• Support long-term community development

• Encourage structured, phased project implementation

• Help groups leverage additional national funding

The program supports initiatives at different stages, including:

• Planning

• Design

• Implementation

• Multi-year development

It also supports groups seeking matching funding for national schemes such as the Sports Capital Programme.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply in 2026, organisations must meet all eligibility criteria.

Geographic Requirement

• Must be located within 9km of the Drehid Waste Management Facility

• Applications slightly outside this radius may be considered in exceptional cases

Prior Funding Requirement

• Only organisations that previously received Drehid funding up to 2024 are eligible to apply in 2026

Organisational Criteria

• Must be a local community organisation

• Must apply for non-profit, community-based purposes

• Must demonstrate project feasibility and community benefit

Individuals and profit-driven organisations are not eligible.

Funding Structure and Quotation Requirements

Grant amounts vary depending on project scope. The number of required quotations depends on the funding request.

Projects up to €1,500

• One written quotation required

Projects from €1,501 to €7,500

• Two written quotations required

Projects above €7,501

• Three written quotations required

All quotations must:

• Provide identical information

• Clearly outline scope, cost, and specifications

• Allow transparent evaluation and comparison

This structured quotation process ensures fairness and financial accountability.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects include:

• Environmental improvement initiatives

• Recreational facility development

• Community infrastructure enhancements

• Multi-year or phased capital projects

• Projects in planning or design stages

• Matching-fund applications for national programs

Projects should clearly demonstrate how they address or mitigate the impact of the landfill on the local community.

What Is Not Eligible?

The scheme does not fund:

• Profit-driven activities

• Operational expenses (rent, insurance, utilities)

• Costs incurred before grant approval

• Push lawnmowers

• Generators

• Annual plants

• Entertainment expenses

• Training programs

• Christmas parties or outings

• Travel costs

• Clothing

For schools or Parent Teacher Associations:

• Works, equipment, or projects considered the responsibility of the Department of Education and Skills are not eligible.

Clear compliance with these exclusions is essential.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Previously received Drehid funding up to 2024

• Is located within the 9km radius

• Is applying for a non-profit community project

Step 2: Define Your Project Clearly

Prepare:

• A detailed project description

• Clear objectives and expected community benefits

• An implementation timeline (including phased stages if applicable)

Step 3: Obtain Required Quotations

Depending on the funding amount:

• Secure 1, 2, or 3 written quotations

• Ensure quotations contain identical information

• Confirm costs are accurate and detailed

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Include:

• Organisational details

• Financial information

• Evidence of previous Drehid funding

• Matching-funding documentation (if applicable)

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the completed application form with all required documents before the deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Why This Grant Matters

Mitigates Environmental Impact

The scheme directly addresses the local effects of landfill operations.

Supports Long-Term Community Development

Phased and multi-year projects allow sustainable infrastructure growth.

Strengthens Access to National Funding

By supporting matching contributions, the scheme helps communities unlock larger funding opportunities.

Encourages Structured Planning

Flexible assessment criteria recognize projects at different development stages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without having received prior funding up to 2024

• Submitting incorrect or inconsistent quotations

• Including ineligible items (e.g., generators, travel costs)

• Requesting funding for operational expenses

• Claiming expenses incurred before approval

• Failing to demonstrate how the project mitigates landfill impact

Strong applications clearly link the project to environmental or community improvement objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Drehid Community Grant Scheme 2026?

Only community organisations that previously received Drehid funding up to 2024 and are located within 9km of the facility.

2. Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. The scheme is open only to eligible community organisations.

3. Can organisations outside the 9km radius apply?

In limited and exceptional cases, applications slightly outside the boundary may be considered.

4. How many quotations are required?

The number depends on funding requested:

• Up to €1,500: 1 quotation

• €1,501–€7,500: 2 quotations

• Above €7,501: 3 quotations

5. Can operational costs like rent or insurance be funded?

No. Operational expenses are not eligible.

6. Are phased or multi-year projects allowed?

Yes. The scheme prioritises structured, phased, and ongoing initiatives.

7. Can costs incurred before approval be reimbursed?

No. Any expenditure incurred before grant approval is not eligible.

Conclusion

The Drehid Community Grant Scheme 2026 provides structured financial support to eligible local organisations working to improve environmental and recreational conditions near the landfill facility. By prioritising phased development, financial transparency, and clear community impact, the scheme strengthens local resilience and sustainable development.

Eligible organisations are encouraged to prepare well-documented, compliant applications that clearly demonstrate how their projects mitigate landfill impacts and enhance community wellbeing.