Waterford groups encouraged to apply for grants to improve water quality across the county

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) has launched the Community Water Development Fund for 2026 and welcomes grant applications from community groups in Waterford.

The Community Water Development Fund is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage and managed by LAWPRO.

This fund enables community groups to enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Under the fund local communities and groups are invited to apply for financial assistance to support the delivery of projects and initiatives to enhance local water bodies and benefit water quality and biodiversity.

Examples of previously funded projects include the restoration of river riparian buffer zones, flood alleviation and nature-based solutions projects, such as rain gardens, the removal of invasive species, such as Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed, and surveys, assessments and action plans that support water and biodiversity.

READ NEXT: ‘Considerable worry’ among Waterford pensioners as ‘essential’ office remains closed

"Since it was first introduced in 2017, it has grown into an essential support for communities across Ireland with a passion for improving water quality in their local area. We are proud to continue to provide funding for vital projects that will bring about improvements in water quality both locally and nationally," Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan, said. 

The fund supports communities to deliver positive actions for water quality, protection and awareness through community grants.

In the 2025 funding call, €1,047,265.26 was awarded to 54 projects across 24 counties.

Last year, in Waterford, €6,179 was provided to a project in the county.

The fund is open to all community and voluntary groups to help in the protection and management of water quality, both locally and in the wider catchment.

The deadline for applications is 20th January 2026.