Local Environmental Action Fund

Leitrim County Council and IPB Insurance officially launched the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) on Monday 15 June 2026, announcing a joint commitment to empower local communities to take practical steps toward improving their environment. The fund is designed to provide financial support for Tidy Towns committees, Residents’ Associations and voluntary community groups that are registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN).

The council said LEAF will enable groups across County Leitrim to tackle a range of environmental projects – from litter clean‑ups and tree planting to biodiversity monitoring and sustainable transport initiatives. By offering grants directly to grassroots organisations, the fund aims to give communities a tangible means of addressing local ecological challenges.

In line with this initiative, PPN has been running free training sessions for community groups. On 17 September an online workshop focused on funding applications will guide participants through the application process, while a strategic‑planning session on 15 October will help organisations develop long‑term goals and direction. Earlier in June, PPN hosted support evenings in Drumshanbo to assist representatives of member groups and held a public consultation on 24 June to shape the network’s future work.

The launch comes at a time when community groups in Leitrim are already mobilising resources for environmental projects. The Leitrim Observer reported that local groups have pooled nearly €350,000 for energy and climate initiatives, underscoring the county’s growing focus on sustainability.

LEAF represents a concrete step by the council to translate this momentum into funded action, giving residents a clearer pathway to realise projects that benefit both people and the planet. For further details see the Leitrim County Council news release.

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