Clare’s Independent TD has welcomed the announcement of increased funding to the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund.
Known as LA21, Dr. Michael Harty said this fund, which has operated since 1997, supports local environmental initiatives by communities, individuals and not-for–profit groups.
Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate action and Environment has allocated funding of €460,000 to this year’s scheme, an increase of 15% on funding in 2016.
Funding provided under this scheme supports local projects to improve the environment and make communities more sustainable. The fund shows how local initiatives can make a real difference and showcases how small changes can make lasting improvements to our environment. Together with the local authorities the Department has supported over 700 projects under this scheme last year and the increase in funding will enable even more work to be done this year.
“The Fund supports small scale non-profit environmental projects such as allotments, community gardens, compost schemes, rainwater harvesting schemes, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions. Funding provided by the Department is matched by the local authorities, and projects also attract funding from other sources” said Dr. Harty.
Eligible projects are those that will support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Air, Water and Sustainable Development. Groups seeking funding for eligible projects are invited to make an application to Clare Co. Council.
Completed application forms should be returned to the local authority at the latest by 5pm, 23 June 2017.
Application forms, local authority contacts, and further information on the LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund can be obtained from the Department’s website: www.dccae.gov.ie