Louth County Council Launches New Fund to Support Local Climate and Environmental Action Projects
IPB Insurance and Louth County Council launch €100,000 fund for communities working together for climate action
Louth County Council has launched a new funding programme to support community-led climate and environmental projects across County Louth. The initiative forms part of the nationwide IPB Insurance and Local Government Ireland Community Fund, also known as the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF). The national fund, valued at €3 million, is the largest coordinated programme of its kind in Ireland.
A total of €100,000 is available in Louth to support Tidy Towns groups, residents' associations and other community organisations working to improve their local environment. Eligible projects may focus on environmental enhancement, biodiversity, sustainability and climate action. Grants of between €1,000 and €25,000 are available, and projects will be 100% funded, with no matching contribution required from successful applicants.
The fund is being launched as part of IPB Insurance's centenary year, marking 100 years of partnership with local authorities and communities across Ireland.
Developed by IPB Insurance and Local Government Ireland, which represents Ireland's 31 local authorities, the programme aims to support practical projects that make a positive difference locally. The fund is open to organisations registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN) and encourages collaboration with schools, sports clubs and other community groups under the theme "Communities Working Together for Climate."
Encouraging local groups to apply, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, said:
"This fund is a fantastic opportunity for community groups across Louth to turn ideas into action. Every day, volunteers give their time to make our towns, villages and neighbourhoods cleaner, greener and more welcoming places to live. This funding will help support that work and encourage even more people to get involved in projects that benefit their local area and protect our environment for future generations."
Funding in Louth will be delivered through a matched funding model, combining support from IPB Insurance with existing local authority environmental programmes.
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, said:
"The strength of Louth's communities can be seen in the work of our Tidy Towns groups, residents' associations and volunteers who give their time to improve local places. This fund will support practical projects that enhance biodiversity, address climate challenges and improve the quality of life in our towns and villages. It is a good example of what can be achieved when local government, communities and partners such as IPB Insurance work together towards a shared goal."
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 today in Louth.”
The IPB Insurance and Local Government Ireland LEAF builds on the long-standing success of the Tidy Towns movement and the work of thousands of volunteers nationwide, whose efforts help improve local areas while supporting Ireland's climate and biodiversity objectives.
The programme also marks the first anniversary of the Tidy Towns Insurance Scheme partnership, which has helped remove insurance barriers for eligible groups.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 7 August 2026 at 4pm. Application forms are available at www.louthppn.ie. Completed applications can be submitted by email to climateaction@louthcoco.ie or by post to Climate Action Team, Louth County Council, County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Late applications will not be accepted. Applications are open to Tidy Towns groups, residents' associations and community organisations registered with the Louth Public Participation Network (PPN).
For further information, contact climateaction@louthcoco.ie.
About the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF)
The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) is designed to:
- Support environmental enhancement, biodiversity and climate action projects
- Empower Tidy Towns committees and voluntary groups
- Encourage collaboration between community organisations and local stakeholders
- Deliver visible, practical improvements in local areas
Local authorities administer the Fund within their areas, aligning national objectives with local priorities.
About IPB Insurance
IPB Insurance is Ireland’s only indigenous mutual insurer, founded by local authorities 100 years ago. Owned by its Members, IPB supports the public, community and voluntary sectors by protecting public assets and reinvesting in communities.
About the CCMA
The County and City Management Association (CCMA) represent the Chief Executives of all county and city councils and plays a central role in advancing local government policy and collaboration.