Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has launched the 2025 Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme.
The scheme aims to encourage local communities, organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to actively contribute to the conservation and restoration of Natura 2000 sites and peatland areas.
The minister said that applications are now being accepted for community-led projects, with up to €600,000 in funding available.
Successful applicants will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project’s eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000 for Natura 2000 designated sites and up to €20,000 for Non-Natura 2000 peatland sites.
Peatlands
A diverse range of initiatives will be considered for funding under the scheme, operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), including events, education programmes, publications, exhibitions, the development of conservation management plans, public amenity and recreational measures.
Measures supporting conservation, monitoring or surveying work to inform of restoration/conservation projects, invasive species and fire control measures, anti-littering initiatives may also be eligible for support.
Commenting at the launch of this year’s scheme, Minister Noonan said that he has been impressed with the broad range of projects funded to date under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme.
“Through collaboration and engagement with local communities we can take action and play a pivotal role to combat climate change and safeguard our most precious and endangered species and habitats for generations to come,” he said.
The minister advised interested parties that the closing date for submission of applications is January 24, 2025.