The Community Water Development Fund supports communities in progressing water related projects and initiatives, delivering benefits locally whilst also helping to meet the objectives of the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland and the wider EU Water Framework Directive. This Fund is open to all community and voluntary groups to assist in the protection and management of water quality, both locally and in the wider catchment. This can include the development of a catchment partnership or River/Lake Trust, and delivery of local projects to protect and improve water quality in a local waterbody. This Fund will enable communities to get more involved in the management of their local water environment, delivering multiple benefits for present and future generations. The fund is administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

For the 2021 Open Call, we ask all applicants to complete the application form online and in conjunction with the Guidelines which you can download below. You will find contact details of your local Community Water Officer who you must contact in advance of making an application.

Click here for Community Water Officer contact details

The online application process is available at this link https://consult.watersandcommunities.ie/en/content/community-water-development-fund-grant-application-form-2021

Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 9th February 2021 at 12 noon.

Types of projects considered for funding will include:

• Capital projects such as restoration/habitat conservation/natural flood mitigation measures; fish passage projects; invasive species control, etc.
• Projects that promote public awareness/education and events such as biodiversity days, surveys, training workshops, surveys and plans, water conservation initiatives; Citizen Science, etc.
• General amenity such as beach clean, improving amenity areas, bird watching facilities, etc.

Grants awarded will range from €500 to €5,000; up to €10,000 and up to €25,000.

Guidance Notes in respect of the Community Water Development Fund 2021 are available to download at www.lawaters.ie and the application must also be online. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or need advice please contact Sheevaun Thompson, Funding Lead, Local Authority Waters Programme at 087 2436804 or email funding@lawaters.ie .