Huge demand for local environment action fund
John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, and Cllr John Caulfield, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, were joined by IPB Insurance and Mayo County Council colleagues to celebrate their partnership in supporting community-led climate action through the Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF). Picture: Alison Laredo
IPB Insurance and Mayo County Council launched the €100,000 LEAF to support communities working together for climate in June.
The fund attracted applications with a combined funding request of almost €500,000 from community groups throughout the county, highlighting the significant demand for support to deliver local climate action and environmental protection initiatives. Funding has been awarded to 26 voluntary groups across Mayo’s four municipal districts through the €100,000 scheme. Applications were received from a wide range of voluntary groups across Mayo, including Tidy Towns committees, community groups, environmental groups, residents' committees and sports clubs.
The projects funded cover key areas such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting better energy management, the circular economy, and climate resilience. These community-led initiatives will play an important role in helping to build a more climate-resilient Mayo.
Speaking about the success of the fund, Laura Dixon, Climate Action Co-Ordinator with Mayo County Council, said:
“It has been very encouraging to see how many communities across Mayo are passionate about taking action to protect their local environment. The level of interest in the LEAF Fund shows the commitment, energy and ambition that exists at community level across the county.
"We are disappointed that we couldn’t fund all the applicants, but we will continue to look for additional funding streams to support the Mayo communities in their ambition and enthusiasm to improve their local environment. I encourage communities interested in funding local projects to keep an eye on Mayo County Council’s website at www.mayo.ie and social media platforms for future funding opportunities.”
The strong response to the LEAF demonstrates the significant appetite among communities in Mayo to take practical climate action at local level. From biodiversity enhancement and energy-related initiatives to circular economy projects, successful applications reflect the important role that local communities play in protecting the environment and responding to climate change.
Mayo County Council would like to acknowledge and thank IPB for establishing and co-funding the LEAF Programme. Together, they congratulate all successful applicants and extend sincere thanks to every group that took the time to apply.
