Funding of €27,600 awarded to 25 environmental projects

TWENTY-FIVE environmental projects across Wicklow received funding of €27,600 last week.

The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund supports local environmental initiatives by communities, individuals and not-for-profit groups.

Minister Andrew Doyle said the local projects selected were very worthwhile.

‘Here in Wicklow funding of €27,600 was announced for 25 projects across the county.

‘ The main goal of these local projects is to improve the environment and make our communities more sustainable. Some of the projects include: St. Patrick’s NS Barnacleagh Gardening for Life, Scoil Naomh Brid, Knockananna, Biodiversity the only Choice Project, Roundwood Men’s Shed, Arklow Tidy Towns, Hollywood Tidy Towns and St Fergal’s N.S. Bray, Science biodiversity programme.

‘ The fund shows how local initiatives can make a real difference in our communities, and showcases how small changes can make lasting improvements to our environment.

‘ The Fund supports small scale non-profit environmental projects such as allotments, community gardens, compost schemes, rainwater harvesting schemes, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions.

‘Eligible projects are those that will support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Air, Water and Sustainable Development.

‘Nationally, 834 projects are being funded under the 2017 scheme which is an increase of over 100 projects on 2016.

‘Ireland faces a once in a generation opportunity to shape the long-term direction of Irish environmental policy that will chart the course towards our low carbon future.

We in Fine Gael want Ireland’s image as the green island to inform all areas of policy so that the global image of our country is transformed and we are recognised as one of the cleanest and safest environments in the world.

‘ To achieve this all State bodies will need to engage positively with local communities to manage the transition to a low carbon future.’