Meath projects to benefit from €73,000 water quality funding
The funding, announced by Housing Minister James Browne and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan, will support a number of initiatives aimed at improving and protecting local waterways.
In Meath, a total of €73,567 has been awarded through the Community Water Development Fund and the Catchment Support Fund, both administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme.
The Boyne Rivers Trust is to receive €29,000 under the Community Water Development Fund for riparian woodland restoration and water quality initiatives in the Boyne catchment.
Under the Catchment Support Fund, the organisation has been awarded a further €40,000, while the Nanny and Delvin Rivers Trust CLG will receive €4,567.
Nationally, €2.45m has been allocated across 148 projects, with €1.33m distributed to 92 initiatives under the Community Water Development Fund and €1.11m awarded to 56 groups through the Catchment Support Fund.
Mr Browne said local communities play a "critical” role in protecting water quality.
“Local action by communities and groups is critical in our efforts to protect our waters,” he said.
“This funding supports grassroots projects that help protect and restore local rivers, lakes and streams.”
Mr O’Sullivan said the investment would support community efforts to safeguard natural habitats.
“Communities are passionate about their rivers, streams, lakes and coastal areas, and this funding will support local efforts to protect and restore them,” he said.
The funding schemes support a range of projects, including river restoration, biodiversity enhancement, community engagement initiatives and environmental studies.
Director of Services for the Local Authority Waters Programme, Anthony Coleman, said the schemes have seen increased demand in recent years.
“Local communities play a vital role in protecting and improving our water quality,” he said.
“The Local Authority Waters Programme is proud to support the work of community groups, volunteers and NGOs across the country, helping them take action to protect waterways for current and future generations.”
The funding forms part of Ireland’s Water Action Plan 2024, which aims to restore water bodies to good ecological status and prevent further deterioration by 2027.