€16,049 for community water quality projects in Cavan

Over €2.4 million allocated nationwide

Funding of €16,049 has been awarded to community water quality projects in Cavan under two national schemes administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Projects in Cavan include Drummany Spirit Group: Removal of Nuttallii water weed (€15,000) under theCommunity Water Development Fundl; and West Cavan Bogs Association (€649.70) and Friends of Castle Lake Catchment (€400) from the Catchment Support Fund.

A total of €2,445,229 has been allocated nationwide, with €1,332,492 supporting 92 projects through the Community Water Development Fund and €1,112,737 going to 56 groups across 20 counties under the Catchment Support Fund, alongside two national projects.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD explained thatlLocal action by communities and groups is critical in our efforts to protect our waters. "Through the Community Water Development Fund and the Catchment Support Fund, we are providing significant investment in the grassroots work of local communities and voluntary groups who care deeply about water quality in their local areas. My Department’s funding supports these groups to deliver meaningful projects that protect and restore local rivers, lakes and streams.”

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD added: “Communities are passionate about their rivers, streams, lakes and coastal areas, and I’m delighted that the €2.4m we’re announcing today will support local efforts to protect and restore them. The Government is committed to improving water quality, and this investment will enable the Local Authority Waters Programme to continue their work supporting groups across the country to deliver on our shared goals for nature. I’d like to thank everyone who is dedicating their time, energy and expertise to these amazing habitats and wish them the best of luck as they undertake their projects.”

The Community Water Development Fund supports local projects to improve water quality and biodiversity, while the Catchment Support Fund assists groups with core costs such as staffing and administration.

Director of Services for the Local Authority Waters Programme Anthony Coleman said: “Local communities play a vital role in protecting and improving our water quality. The Local Authority Waters Programme is proud to support the work of community groups, volunteers and NGOs across the country through our funding programmes, helping them take action to improve and protect our waterways for current and future generations.”

Funding for both schemes has nearly doubled in the past two years, forming part of Ireland’s Water Action Plan 2024 to restore water bodies to good status or better by 2027.