The Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2026 scheme supports projects that complement the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030.

• The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 31st January 2026.
• Download the Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Grant Application Form  2026 here.

• Full guidance on how to complete the form and information for successful grant applications can be downloaded here:
•  Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Grant Application Guidance 2026.

A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community-based projects which complement or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030 along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).

Applications will be considered from communities seeking assistance for projects that help support the Objectives of the Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030:

• Objective 1 Develop a solid foundation of high quality and openly accessible waterways heritage and biodiversity knowledge.
  • As an example, grants in previous years were awarded to projects that prioritised community-led research, surveys that documented local heritage features, collection of oral histories, and biodiversity monitoring along the waterways. Successfully funded projects need to commit to making their findings publicly available through Waterways Ireland’s digital platforms and archives, helping build an open knowledge base about waterway heritage.

• Objective 2 Ensure that Waterways Ireland’s management of heritage and biodiversity is integrated across the organisation’s activities and external partnerships, and aligned with the UN SDGs.
  • Grants could support projects that demonstrate clear linkages between heritage protection and sustainable development goals. For example, funding could go to initiatives that ensure heritage building restoration, or projects that enhance both biodiversity and community wellbeing through heritage-focused environmental improvements. Applicants would be encouraged to show how their projects contribute to specific SDGs.

• Objective 3 Strengthen and support inspiring heritage and biodiversity experiences across our shared waterways.
  • The grant scheme could fund creative and engaging community projects that bring waterway heritage to life for diverse audiences. This might include supporting heritage festivals, educational programmes, arts projects, or digital interpretation projects that help people connect with waterway heritage in meaningful ways.