On the 12^th of October 2026 at 9:30am The River Basin Management Service will launch its Catchment Support Fund 2027, inviting community groups and non-governmental organisations working to improve water quality to apply for funding to strengthen their organisation and support their work.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by the River Basin Management Service, the Catchment Support Fund provides financial assistance towards core organisational running costs as well as building the internal capacity of groups to deliver community-based water quality projects across Ireland.

A key objective of the Catchment Support Fund is to build capacity within groups and organisations to deliver water quality actions that support the objectives of Ireland’s Water Action Plan 2024.

In advance of applying for this funding, interested groups should speak to their local Community Water Officer to access this funding.

Eligible organisations can apply for financial assistance through two funding streams.

Stream 1 provides support to the essential organisational costs to enable them to complete projects for water quality improvements. Such costs may include statutory and/or legal fees, insurance costs associated with catchment management, accountancy fees, website annual support costs, an organisation’s promotional materials and group development activities.

Stream 2 invites organisations with CLG status (or equivalent) and a proven track record with the River Basin Management Service to apply for capacity building funding such as including staff costs, rent and rates.

The deadline for applications is 16^th November 2026 at 11:30pm

Applications can be made through the River Basin Management Service’s online portal at www.riverbasin.ie or through the following link:  RBMS Catchment Support Fund 2027 | Online Consultation Portal of the River Basin Management Service