Funding for Louth communities for projects to improve local water quality

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

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:

• Restoration of river riparian buffer zones
• Flood alleviation and nature-based solutions projects, such as rain gardens
• Removal of invasive species, such as Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed
• Surveys, assessments and action plans that support water and biodiversity

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The Community Water Development Fund is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by LAWPRO, the national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality in every county.

Commenting on the 2026 funding call, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, said: “The Community Water Development Fund is an important grant scheme provided by my Department and managed by LAWPRO.

"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.”

Anthony Coleman, LAWPRO Director of Services, added: “After providing over €1 million in grant aid last year through this fund, LAWPRO is delighted to launch the 2026 Community Water Development Fund. This fund is central to LAWPRO’s work with communities.

Through it, LAWPRO gives groups across Ireland the ability to create healthier rivers, lakes, and coastal waters in their communities. LAWPRO is excited to once again work closely with community groups to deliver their funded projects and improve water quality across the country.”  

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 Louth, €51,281 was provided to projects 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.

Interested community and voluntary groups can download the guidelines and complete the grant application form online. Visit www.lawaters.ie/cwdf for more information.