Minister Malcolm Noonan T.D., has announced more than €458,000 in funding for 36 local community groups and organisations for projects across Ireland under the expanded Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2024. The scheme is aimed at community-led projects and volunteer groups, who play a vital role in helping to promote and implement conservation and restoration in Ireland.

Cloncrow Bog and Village Trail, Tyrellspass, Westmeath

Funding goes to Laois, Offaly and Westmeath

Projects to benefit from this funding in 2024 span 16 counties across Ireland, including Galway, Donegal, Westmeath, Offaly, Limerick, Kerry, Cavan, Tipperary, Clare, Roscommon, Louth, Monaghan, Laois, Cork, and Wicklow.

The aim of the fund is to develop and maintain amenities, conduct surveys to inform management plans for Natura 2000 and peatland sites, and for training around the management of invasive species.

The grant is also to support public outreach, such as the production of information booklets, brochures and training manuals, awareness and education events, education programmes; and hosting of seminars with expert speakers.

According to Minister Noonan “The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme is a collaborative scheme which draws on the local community’s deep connection with our natural heritage. Through empowering local communities, we can safeguard our precious ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”