Wicklow County Council is partnering with IPB insurance to establish a national Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) to support Tidy Towns and other voluntary community groups, including Residents Associations, engaged in climate action and biodiversity activities.
Under the partnership, IPB Insurance will provide €50,000 to each local authority, with this contribution matched by Wicklow County Council, creating a significant county-wide, community-based environmental fund. The initiative forms part of IPB’s centenary programme and reflects the long-standing partnership between local government and IPB Insurance.
The fund will empower communities to take climate action through impactful, community-driven projects, with community stakeholders working together. The grant is open to all Tidy Towns groups and similar organisations such as residents’ associations. Groups must be registered with their local Public Participation Network (PPN) to avail of funding. Applications are now being accepted and must be submitted by Friday 7th August.
All applications should include collaboration with at least one other community stakeholder group (for example, local schools, youth clubs, Lions club, sports club, Men’s/Women’s Sheds and many more). This recognizes the need to mobilise participation by wider audiences in delivering action in our communities.
Projects must focus on Climate Action and Sustainable Development. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Biodiversity conservation (e.g., creating or managing pollinator-friendly spaces)
- Tree planting and urban greening initiatives
- Renewable energy projects (e.g., installing solar panels for community buildings)
- Waste reduction and recycling initiatives
- Water conservation projects
- Public education campaigns on sustainability
- Climate resilience projects. Climate adaptation projects that build local resilience such as rain gardens, ponds, beach sand ladders
Emer O’ Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council said, “This new initiative builds on from last year's successful rollout of insurance cover being provided to local Tidy Towns groups, supported by Wicklow County Council and IPB Insurance, strengthening our support to local communities”.
Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council welcomed the new funding noting, “Tidy Towns and associated groups work tirelessly to protect and enhance our communities. They contribute to the protection of biodiversity and development of sustainability initiatives for the community. This fund will facilitate local action that benefits all of us.”
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. I am particularly delighted to see the fund launching here in County Wicklow.”
To apply for funding or to discuss an idea please contact the Climate Action team of Wicklow County Council through email at eao@wicklowcoco.ie.
Further details on submission requirements and the application form are available on www.wicklow.ie.