Deadline: 7-Feb-23
The Local Authority Waters Programme is accepting applications for the Community Water Development Fund that aims to fund projects that will bring about improvements in water quality and/or raise public awareness of the value of good water quality and how to improve it.
The Fund is administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Fund is open to eligible applicants in the Republic of Ireland only.
Types of Projects
- Water Quality Actions
- Including Restoration/Habitat conservation/Nature Based Catchment Solutions. Examples:
- Riparian management/tree planting, planting of native species/hedgerows, de-tunneling, etc.
- Creation of habitat near river, lake, wetland
- Fish passage projects
- Removal of invasive species and biosecurity planning
- Silt trapping or ‘Slow the Flow’ Natural Flood Retention Measures (e.g. the addition of large woody debris to drains)
- Pollution management/prevention measures (e.g., wetlands, buffer zones)
- Flood management measures (e.g., Swales, attenuation ponds)
- Preparation of River restoration plans / feasibility studies
- Wetlands to promote wildlife and reduce pollution and flooding
- Rain gardens and Nature Based Surface Water Management
- Match funding towards a relevant project partially funded under another scheme e.g. LEADER, FLAGs.
- Including Restoration/Habitat conservation/Nature Based Catchment Solutions. Examples:
- Water Quality Awareness
- Community led awareness initiatives with a water-based theme. Examples include:
- Water conservation initiatives such as rainwater harvesting on roof of buildings
- Coastal river or lake stewardship project e.g. adopt a “local water body” project
- Local waterbody awareness initiatives such as biodiversity/nature/demonstration days or workshops
- Citizen Science projects and surveys (including purchase of specialist equipment)
- General amenity (e.g. outdoor biodiversity classroom)
- Innovative techniques for monitoring water quality and biodiversity
- Planting of native wildflowers and vegetation in habitat restoration projects
- Bespoke breeding boxes for birds and mammals
- Leaflet/booklet about nature, biodiversity or local waterbody
- Development of digital/social media tools
- Training workshop
- Targeted surveys
- Conservation plans
- Biodiversity signage
- Local pollution prevention initiatives
- Match funding towards a relevant project partially funded under another scheme e.g. LEADER, FLAGs.
- Community led awareness initiatives with a water-based theme. Examples include:
Funding Categories
- Large scale projects: €25,000
- Medium scale projects: €5,000 to €10,000
- Small scale projects: €1,000 to €5,000.
Funding Information
- Total funding available under the Community Water Development Fund Open Call 2023 is capped at €500,000. An additional €20,000 will be available for a project selected from a Blue Dot/High status objective to win a Blue Dot Award. Minimum grant awarded for successful projects will be €1,000 up to a maximum of €25,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- The funding scheme is open to:
- Not-for-profit Community and Voluntary Groups
- Rural and Urban Networks
- Environmental Non-Government Organisations
- Clubs, Associations or other appropriate bodies located in the Republic of Ireland ONLY
- Individuals may NOT apply
- Applicants with a grant approved in 2021 and not fully drawn down may NOT apply.
- Only one application may be submitted per eligible organisation.
Ineligible
- The Community Water Development Fund will not formally fund activities involving:
- Projects that solely benefit an individual
- Teaching/staffing in schools
- Travel and transport costs except in exceptional circumstances
- Equipment, unless directly associated with the project
- Income generating projects
- Overheads, ongoing running costs
- Insurance
- Accommodation and subsistence
- Staff costs.
For more information, visit Community Water Development.