2023 Call for applications

A fund of up to €500,000 is being made available to support community-led projects as part of the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme 2023.

Following a successful call in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme, is now open for applications for 2023.

This is a competitive fund which is administered by the Peatland Conservation Unit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with a fund of up to €500,000 available in 2023.

This Scheme seeks to encourage local peatland communities, groups, schools and other interested parties to play a part in the conservation and revitalisation of raised and blanket bogs – particularly protected bogs and fens – and to promote public engagement with and awareness of our natural heritage and environment.

Applications are welcomed across a diverse range of peatland initiatives that offer a community benefit, including events, education programmes, conservation management plans, restoration measures, feasibility studies, public amenity and recreational projects, plans to deal with invasive species, and fire control measures.

Successful applicants for this year’s assistance will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project’s eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000 for designated sites and up to €20,000 for undesignated peatland or fen sites.

How do I apply?

Details of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and Application Form needed to apply are available via the links below:

• ​Terms and Conditions and Application Form for the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme in English (PDF versions)
• Terms and Conditions and Application Form for the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme in Irish (PDF versions)
• Application Form in English (Microsoft Word version)
• Application Form in Irish (Microsoft Word version)
• Circular 13/2014 Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds (PDF version)

The closing date for applications is the 5th May 2023

Please note that the submission of an application form does not guarantee funding from the Department. Incomplete and late applications will be refused and returned to applicants.

Further details are available by contacting:

Email: pcengagementscheme@npws.gov.ie

Phone: (053) 9117618

Source: https://www.npws.ie/peatlands-and-turf-cutting/peatlands-community-engagement-scheme-funding-2023