A funding initiative that aims to support non-governmental organisations that are involved in water quality projects has been launched today (Saturday, November 9).
Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) unveiled details of the 2025 Catchment Support Fund at its Communities Caring for Water Conference which is taking place today in Athlone.
Anthony Coleman, director of services at LAWPRO said: “We are delighted to be able to continue supporting organisations working to improve water quality.
“Community engagement is fundamental in dealing with local issues and this fund empowers groups to grow their capacity to protect their local rivers, lakes, coastal areas and the surrounding environment.”
Water quality
According to LAWPRO the Catchment Support Fund is a direct response to community feedback and various reviews undertaken in recent years.
It highlighted today that more than €500,000 has been awarded to 37 organisations so far this year in what the first year of the fund.
The organisation also outlined that one of the key objectives of the fund is to “assist the development of entities who can provide additional vital water quality services to communities and support the objectives of the new Water Action Plan for Ireland”.
Under the 2025 Catchment Support Fund, organisations are now invited to apply for financial assistance to finance organisational costs such as statutory and, or legal fees, insurance costs associated with catchment management, accountancy fees, website annual support costs, and also an organisation’s promotional materials and group development activities.
Some organisation’s may also be able to apply for funding for “capacity building” including staff costs, rent and rates.
LAWPRO
LAWPRO is a national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality across the country.
Last week the organisation published its 2023 annual report which it said highlighted a year of “significant growth” for LAWPRO.
One of the major achievements for the organisation last year was its success in securing the Farming for Water European Innovation (EIP) Project – the largest EIP undertaken todate in Ireland. The total project budget is €60 million.