Opportunity for Laois community groups to get €50,000 funding boost

The Local Environmental Action Fund supports groups involved in climate action projects

Published 23rd Jul 2026, 18:25 BST Laois County Council has welcomed the launch of the Local Environmental Action Fund. The Local Environmental Action Fund supports groups involved in climate action projects Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

Laois County Council has announced the launch of a new initiative which will provide €50,000 in funding to support community-led environmental and climate action projects across Laois.

The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) will support Tidy Towns groups and other community organisations in Laois that undertake projects to enhance the local environment, promote biodiversity and contribute to climate action.

The aim of the fund is to support local community groups and deliver visible and practical improvements in towns and villages.

With the funding, community groups registered with the Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) will have an opportunity to deliver practical projects that make a tangible difference in their local areas.

The fund will be administered locally by the Climate Action section in Laois County Council .

The LEAF Fund is part of a national partnership between IPB Insurance, Local Government Ireland, and all 31 local authorities.

The initiative builds on the long-standing success of the Tidy Towns movement and recognises the dedication of volunteers who work year-round to improve their communities. It also coincides with the first anniversary of the Tidy Towns Insurance Scheme, an initiative that has helped remove insurance barriers for eligible community groups nationwide.

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The theme of the programme, ‘Communities Working Together for Climate,’ encourages collaboration between community groups, schools, sports clubs, and other local organisations to create sustainable and resilient communities.

Groups will be able to get more information about the funding at a workshop which will be held at The Cube in Portlaoise on Thursday, July 30 at 7pm. Interested groups can contact [email protected] .

Welcoming the launch of the fund, Pat Delaney, Director of Services at Laois County Council, said: “The Local Environment Action Fund is a significant investment in the future of our communities and our environment. It empowers community groups across Laois to take meaningful action on local priorities, supporting projects that enhance biodiversity, increase tree planting, reduce waste, strengthen environmental awareness, and advance climate resilience.

“Beyond the environmental benefits, the fund fosters strong partnerships between community organisations, schools, sports clubs, and local stakeholders, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared achievement. By working together, we can build more sustainable, vibrant and resilient communities, while making a lasting contribution to Laois’ climate and biodiversity ambitions for future generations.”