182 projects aimed at improving water quality have been awarded €510,000 in grants through the Local Authority Waters Programme Community Water Development Fund.

Established in 2018, the fund supports communities and groups to deliver projects that enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes and coastal areas.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provides the funding which is administered by the participating local authorities.

As in previous years, applications for funding exceeded the budget allocated which increased from €380,000 to over €500,000 this year.

A total of 202 applications were received, with 182 awarded funding. The successful projects include:

An additional €10,000 was awarded as part of the Blue Dot Programme to IRD Duhallow in Co. Cork and the Centre for Environmental Living and Training (CELT) in Co. Galway.

Blue Dots are catchments which are mostly unpolluted and are our best-quality waters.

Commenting on the announcement the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said:

“I am pleased that my department funds this scheme, which is a great example of community engagement and public participation.

"The plan aims to protect Ireland’s water quality, and to ensure we have a well-protected environment and vibrant communities for future generations," the minster said.