Funding available for communities across Ireland for projects to improve local water quality
The 2026 Community Water Development Fund is now open for applications
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) has launched the Community Water Development Fund for 2026 and are welcoming grant applications from community groups nationwide.
The Community Water Development Fund enables community groups to enhance the quality of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Under the fund local communities and groups are invited to apply for financial assistance to support the delivery of projects and initiatives to enhance water bodies and benefit water quality and biodiversity.
The Community Water Development Fund is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by LAWPRO, the national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality in every county.
The fund supports communities to deliver positive actions for water quality, protection and awareness through community grants. In the 2025 funding call, €1,047,265.26 was awarded to 54 projects across 24 counties.
The fund is open to all community and voluntary groups to help in the protection and management of water quality, both locally and in their wider river catchment. The deadline for applications is 20th January 2026.
Interested community and voluntary groups can download the guidelines and complete the grant application form online.
Visit www.lawaters.ie/cwdf for more information.