Environmental Fund For Limerick Communities

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun. 15, 2012 - The Fund, which is administered by the local authority in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, is aimed at community projects that help to increase local levels of environmental awareness and help communities become more sustainable.  

A variety of Limerick projects have benefited in the past including community gardens, allotments and compost schemes, rainwater conservation schemes, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions.

In 2011, funding was allocated for the restoration and extension of a primeval oak woodland habitat at Murroe, the planting of a riverside wood and the erection of wildlife information boards at Glenfield in Kilmallock, the development of an organic sustainable school garden at Glenbrohane, and the creation by the Gouldavoher Residents Association of a wild flower garden as part of their existing allotment scheme, amongst other projects.

Councillor Mary Harty, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council urged community groups to consider applying for funding. Councillor Harty added: “I am delighted to see that a wide variety of innovative and exciting projects and schemes in County Limerick have been supported under the Fund during recent years. Each of these projects has helped to further improve the sustainability and physical appearance of the respective communities”.

Commenting on the Council’s role in administering the Fund at a local level, Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services, Environment, Limerick County Council, stated: “The Council matches the funding received from the Department, promotes the availability of the funds locally, receives and assesses the applications, and liaises with the Department on the administration of the scheme. “

Ms. Cotter Coughlan continued: “Projects should focus on environmental awareness and actions which complement national environmental policies such as those on waste, biodiversity, water conservation and climate change. Local schemes funded since the Funds’ establishment in 1997 include environmentally-themed school workshops and shows, home composting and waste prevention workshops, community garden training, and environmental-themed community works such as information boards”.

“Completed application forms should be returned to Limerick County Council by 4.30pm on 11th July 2012 at the latest,” she concluded.

Application forms are available from www.lcc.ie. Further information is available from 061-496192.

-ENDS-

CONTACT:
Helen Keays, Environment Section, Limerick County Council ((061-496192)
Mark Dunphy, Dunphy PR (086-8534900)