Largest-Ever National Fund for Tidy Towns and Community Environmental Groups Launched in Waterford
- Danny Joyce | Editor
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The largest-ever coordinated community fund of its kind in Ireland was officially launched today by Minister for Local Government and Planning John Cummins in Tramore, Co. Waterford, as part of a major new national funding initiative for Tidy Towns, Residents’ Associations and community groups undertaking environmental activities.
The IPB Insurance & Local Authorities Community Fund, also known as the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), is a €3m+ partnership between IPB Insurance and all 31 local authorities, providing vital support for environmental enhancement, biodiversity and climate action projects in communities across the country. The launch coincides with IPB Insurance’s centenary year, marking 100 years of supporting local authorities and communities across Ireland.
Launched in Tramore, Co. Waterford, by Minister for Local Government and Planning John Cummins T.D., the fund reflects a shared commitment by local authorities and their mutual insurer to empower local communities to deliver practical, grassroots environmental action in their own areas.
The Fund supports Tidy Towns committees and groups undertaking similar activities, including Residents’ Associations and other voluntary community groups registered with local Public Participation Networks (PPNs), and encourages collaboration with schools, community organisations, sports clubs and local stakeholders under the theme “Communities Working Together for Climate.”
Developed in close partnership with the County & City Management Association (CCMA) and its Rural, Community, Culture and Heritage (RCCH) Committee, the Fund will see approximately €100,000 available in each local authority area through matched funding. This funding is 100% matched by each local authority, with the match comprising of existing allocated grants and funds such as Tidy Towns supports, Residents’ Association funding streams, climate and environmental funding programmes, as well as other relevant local authority funding streams and initiatives. This approach enables projects of varying scale to proceed nationwide.
The fund is launching on the first anniversary of the commencement of the Tidy Towns Insurance Scheme partnership between IPB and local authority Members, whereby eligible Tidy Towns no longer have to procure or pay for insurance.
The initiative builds on the strong track record of the Tidy Towns movement and community volunteers, whose work plays a central role in enhancing quality of life, strengthening civic pride and supporting national climate and biodiversity goals.
Launching the funding in Waterford, Minister John Cummins TD said; “I am delighted to launch this new Community Fund which will support the incredible work being carried out every day by Tidy Towns groups, residents’ associations and community organisations across the country. These groups are the backbone of our towns and neighbourhoods, driving real, visible improvements that enhance where we live, work and raise our families. It is particularly fantastic to be joined at this event by Tramore Tidy Towns and Belvedere Manor Residents’ Association, given the wonderful voluntary work they do all year round, hail, rain or shine''
“This initiative is a strong example of what can be achieved through partnership. I want to commend the collaboration between IPB Insurance and all 31 local authorities, who are working together to deliver meaningful investment directly into communities.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this fund will have in towns and neighbourhoods nationwide.”
John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, highlighted the Fund’s importance within IPB’s Centenary Year saying; “As Ireland’s local government mutual insurer, IPB Insurance exists to protect our Members who, every day, serve the public and their communities. Our mutual ethos goes beyond insurance, it’s about giving back and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and enhance places. In our Centenary Year, this Fund represents a meaningful investment in the future of towns and communities across Ireland, delivered in partnership with the local authorities who founded IPB.”
CCMA Chairperson and Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said; “Local authorities play a leadership role in supporting community development, environmental stewardship and climate action at local level. This substantial funding will enable Tidy Towns and other voluntary groups to deliver practical, locally led initiatives, supported by local authorities, that make a lasting difference in communities across the country. This partnership between local government and IPB Insurance will support communities and partners together to deliver meaningful local action that enhances everyday life in our cities, towns and villages.”
About the Fund
The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) is designed to:
Support environmental enhancement, biodiversity and climate action projects
Empower Tidy Towns committees and similar voluntary groups
Encourage collaboration between community organisations and local partners
Deliver tangible, visible improvements within towns and neighbourhoods
Local authorities will administer the Fund in their areas, aligned with national objectives while responding to local priorities.
The fund will be rolled out of over the next 8 weeks across all 31 local authorities nationwide to coincide with local voluntary groups busy programme of work ahead of the summer.
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