Funding of €100 thousand has been announced for environmental projects in 12 county towns and villages.
The pot is for biodiversity, climate action and environmental improvements, through the Local Environmental Action Fund.
The largest allocation of €18,000 was awarded to Abbey Community Development Association for a major biodiversity project that includes creating a pollinator corridor, expanding a community orchard, planting native trees and hedgerows, developing wildlife habitats, installing rainwater harvesting systems and biodiversity signage, and transforming the entrance to the Cineál Feichín housing estate into a community nature space.
Milltown Tidy Towns received €15,000 for projects including a sensory garden, community garden, wildflower habitats and an accessible picnic area, while Woodford Parish Development was allocated €12,703 for a Living Carbon Garden featuring rainwater harvesting, native planting, bird and insect boxes, educational workshops and green business initiatives.
Ballygar Tidy Towns secured €12,523 to replace petrol-powered maintenance equipment with battery-operated alternatives, introduce pollinator planting, native hedging, water butts and energy-efficient lighting.
Oranmore Tidy Towns was awarded €10,000 to develop a Bat Discovery Trail and biodiversity enhancement project centred on its existing Bloom Postcard Garden.
Clifden Tidy Towns received €9,757 to create a pollinator-friendly community garden and improve planting at Tullyvoheen estate, while Tuam Tidy Towns secured €6,072 to establish a green corridor and pocket orchard along the River Nanny through the removal of invasive species.
Kinvara Tidy Towns was allocated €6,042 for a community polytunnel, raised beds and educational facilities to support biodiversity projects linked to its Biodiversity Action Plan.
Portumna Tidy Towns received €4,656 for a polytunnel to support year-round community growing, while Mountbellew District and Development Association was awarded €3,000 to create a new pollinator garden around public sculptures.
Smaller grants included €1,127 for Kilkerrin Tidy Towns to establish a community orchard, plant native hedging and purchase battery-powered maintenance equipment, and €1,120 for Coiste na mBailte Slachtmhara an Spidéil to develop a biodiversity-friendly community garden behind Spiddal Library.
