The River Basin Management Service has launched its Catchment Support Fund 2027, inviting community groups and non-governmental organisations working to improve water quality to apply for funding to strengthen their organisation and support their work.
Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by the River Basin Management Service, the Catchment Support Fund provides financial assistance towards core organisational running costs as well as building the capacity of groups to deliver community-based water quality projects across Ireland.
In 2026, through this fund, €1,112,737 was awarded to 56 groups across 20 counties, in addition to two national projects. This was an increase from €856,260 in 2025, which was provided to 40 groups across 19 counties.
The Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, welcomed the opening of the fund: “The work of communities across the country is vital to protecting and improving the quality of our rivers, lakes and coastal waters, and I am delighted that the Catchment Support Fund is there to help them build capacity and cover core running costs. These groups play a major role in helping us to deliver Ireland’s Water Action Plan – Ireland’s main policy for improving water quality. I’d like to encourage local groups to apply for this funding and wish all the applicants the very best of luck.”
A key objective of the Catchment Support Fund is to build capacity within groups and organisations to deliver water quality actions that support the objectives of Ireland’s Water Action Plan 2024.
Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at the River Basin Management Service said: “As preparation for the Fourth Cycle River Basin Management Plan intensifies in 2027, it is essential that community groups are provided with the support needed to effectively operate and deliver projects to improve local water quality.
Through the Catchment Support Fund, which has grown substantially since it was launched in 2024, we are committed to supporting the development of organisations working to improve their local rivers, lakes, coastal areas and the surrounding environment. Interested groups should speak to their local Community Water Officer or River Basin Management Service representative to access this funding.”
Eligible organisations can apply for financial assistance through two funding streams.
Stream 1 provides support to the essential organisational costs to enable them to complete projects for water quality improvements. Such costs may include statutory and/or legal fees, insurance costs associated with catchment management, accountancy fees, website annual support costs, an organisation’s promotional materials and group development activities.
Stream 2 invites organisations with CLG status (or equivalent) and a proven track record with the River Basin Management Service to apply for capacity building funding to cover staff costs, rent and rates.
The deadline for applications is 16th November 2026 at 11:30pm and applications can be made through the River Basin Management Service’s online portal.
The Catchment Support Fund also contributes to Ireland’s implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in areas such as clean water and sanitation, climate action, life on land, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.
For further information, visit www.riverbasin.ie/catchment-support-fund