16 Louth projects receive funding under Environmental Action Fund

Louth County Council has announced the 16 projects that will receive funding under the 2026 Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), a nationwide initiative developed by IPB Insurance and Local Government Ireland and administered locally by Louth County Council.

Through the fund, almost €100,000 has been allocated to community organisations across County Louth to support practical, community-led projects that enhance biodiversity, address climate and environmental challenges, and create more sustainable and resilient local communities.

The 16 projects receiving funding cover a wide range of environmental themes and include citizen science monitoring initiatives, the creation of a community seed library, pollinator-friendly planting schemes, wildlife and biodiversity interpretation signage, habitat protection and wildlife conservation projects, environmental education programmes, renewable energy initiatives, and community-led assessments of potential solutions to localised flooding and the spread of invasive plant species.

Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, welcomed the announcement of the successful projects, saying:

"The range of projects receiving funding demonstrates the commitment of our community and volunteer groups across Louth to environmental improvement and climate action. These projects show how local knowledge, volunteer effort and community collaboration can deliver meaningful benefits for people, place and nature. I want to congratulate all of the successful groups and look forward to seeing the impact of their projects in the months ahead."

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added:

"The Local Environmental Action Fund is supporting communities to take practical steps on key environmental challenges and opportunities in their local areas. The funded projects will deliver tangible outcomes, from enhancing biodiversity, supporting environmental education, to exploring innovative solutions for flooding, invasive species management and renewable energy. Importantly, these grants demonstrate the value of empowering communities to lead on climate action and biodiversity initiatives with the assistance of Louth County Council."

The successful projects will be delivered over the coming months by community organisations, Tidy Towns groups, community groups, residents’ associations, and environmental groups throughout the county.

For more information on the Local Environmental Action Fund and other climate action initiatives supported by Louth County Council, visit www.louthcoco.ie.

The sixteen projects are:

1. Blackrock Tidy Towns has been allocated €9,382.02 to carry out a citizen science monitoring project, where volunteers and school pupils will collect water quality, measure rainfall and gather biodiversity data. This project will be completed through baseline water and soil monitoring, feasibility study, tipping rain gauge, two weather stations, water and soil probes and three staff gauges for citizen science led water level monitoring.
2. Oriel River Catchments and Coastal Association CLG (ORCCA) has been allocated €13,581.72. The community group plan to carry out a pilot project on natural flood management at the Cooley Peninsula. The project will develop a practical locally informed response to increasing flood risk and help strengthen climate resilience across the Cooley Peninsula. The project will be carried out through a desk-based review, site walkover, topographical survey, outline design developments outline drawings, design memo, client meetings and project management.
3. Lis Na Dara Residents Association has been allocated €1,500.00 to plant pollinators and display biodiversity signage. This project is based on the recommendations contained within the independent Plan for Nature prepared through The Hare’s Corner initiative following a site assessment of Lis Na Dara.
4. Louth Gardeners and Growers Collective has been allocated €4,531.17. The community group plan to create a seed library at Dundalk Library, for members of the public to take seeds and return seeds, it will operate in conjunction with Dundalk Library. The community group plan to run a seed processing workshop, purchase open pollinated Irish seeds, stationery and printed seed envelopes. The community group also plan on working with a local artist to design bespoke commissioned artwork on the unit in which the seeds will be stored and upgrade the internal fit out of the current storage unit at Dundalk Library.
5. Naomh Mairtin CPG has been allocated €2,840.00. The community group plan to purchase a water butt and attachments, bare root hedging plants, segregated indoor bins and wildlife and biodiversity signage.
6. Knockbridge NS Parents and Friends Association has been allocated €757.53 to plant pollinators in a sensory garden for a special needs classroom within the school.
7. Dunleer Tidy Towns has been allocated €3,000.00. The community group plan to purchase trees and shrubs and plant a supply of bulbs, crocuses and snowdrops and create/distribute educational circular leaflets.
8. Naomh Fionnbarra and St Annes GFC has been allocated €3,580.00 to purchase a battery for solar PV that had been installed under the Community Climate Action Programme. The club plan to host workshops on renewable energy for local schools and power their walking track.
9. Mid Louth Men’s Shed has been allocated €2,471.58. The community group plan to carry out an Irish Black Bee Conservation and Apiary Enhancement Project. The community group plan to purchase pollinator friendly trees and plants and beekeeping equipment. The community group plan to work with a number of groups to promote biodiversity enhancement and promote pollinator conservation.
10. Louth Regional Game Council has been allocated €8,058.50 to conduct a tree and invasive species survey at Rathescar Lake and Wood. This project looks to quantify the current state of the natural habitat in this area. It will allow for further enhancement of the wood and better use by members of the public.
11. Rathmullen Community House has been allocated €8,000. The project will be the development of a sensory garden with a biodiversity space. The project is innovative by combining a sensory garden with climate-resilient design, student science monitoring, accessible learning features, and biodiversity enhancement.
12. Second Louth Blackrock Scouts has been allocated €12,000 to establish wildlife areas within Blackrock through community engagement and the work of the scouts. The project’s innovative element is its integrated youth-led model: participants will attend environmental activities, they will identify issues, implement solutions, measure results and explain their works to the community.
13. Dromiskin Tidy Towns has been allocated €9,828.85 for a Swift conservation project. The community group plan to purchase and install a number of swift boxes in the area to help bolster the populations of this bird.
14. Drogheda Tidy Towns has been allocated €3,940.78 for a Swift and Bat box project for the town of Drogheda. This will significantly increase the number of nesting sites in the area.
15. Hands for Unity has been allocated €13,151.00. The project reduces household waste in Drogheda by delivering climate and waste education workshops for household waste and by restoring the repair skills for circular economy and fashion/clothes.
16. Grange Residents Association and Grange Tidy Towns have been allocated €2,900.00. Their project involved the rejuvenation of an old limekiln as well as biodiversity planting and educational elements through their work with the local school.