Ministers O’Brien and Noonan recently published a new Strategic Action Plan for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) which sets out an ambitious timeline for a full organisational restructuring of the NPWS and a substantial €55 million additional investment in the organisation together with the early recruitment of 60 key staff for critically important roles. *Added on 13/05/22* New Strategic Action Plan for National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) This Scheme is administered by The Community Foundations for Ireland on behalf of Axa. Link to Timelines FAQ, Criteria, Resource Pack, etc. Charities / local community and voluntary groups non-fee paying schools or non-profit pre-schools Implementation of actions identified in existing community Biodiversity Action Plans will also be considered. rain gardens, ponds, wildlife habitats, etc. Grants will range from €3,000 to €20,000 for environmental projects on green spaces on public land, e.g. *Added on 13/05/22* AXA Parks Fund for Biodiversity ProjectsĪXA has announced the AXA PARKS Fund with €600,000 available to allocate – the fund aims to encourage community engagement and enhance biodiversity. This funding represents a significant investment by the Government in the development of these assets which will benefit rural communities and visitors alike.This is one of a wide range of initiatives we are undertaking to develop our outdoor amenities and which will be central to the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy that I will be launching later this year.” Coillte estimates that it welcomes in the region of 18 million recreation visitors annually. The Minister continued: “ These works will include development of trails, cycleways, play areas, upgrading of car parking and toilet facilities to help manage the growing number of visitors. Today’s funding announcement will assist Coillte in upgrading facilities to meet the increased demand for access to these amenities. And so, I’m really pleased to approve this new partnership– which I have no doubt will be so important in terms of attracting more visitors to rural Ireland.”Ĭoillte recorded a significant increase in visitor numbers to its Forest Parks and recreation sites over the past two years, with a doubling of visitor numbers at some of its most popular sites. We all know the benefits that our forest parks and outdoor trails provide in terms of both our physical and mental wellbeing. This €15 million partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte will further enhance our great outdoors – benefitting hundreds of thousands of people for years to come.Īs Minister, investing in our great outdoors has been a major priority of mine. Right across the country, people of all ages reap the benefits of these unique natural amenities on a daily basis. This will result in improvements being carried out to some 3,000 kilometres of walking trails and cycleways in a major boost to outdoor tourism and rural communities.Īnnouncing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “ Our forest parks, walking and cycling trails and upland areas are what makes Rural Ireland stand out. The funding will develop the outdoor recreation facilities that Coillte provides across its recreational sites and some 260 recreational forests and 12 forest parks will receive investment as part of the initiative. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (13 th May 2022) announced €15 million in funding as part of a new five year strategic partnership with Coillte designed to boost rural tourism. *Added on 13/05/22* €15 million to Boost Tourism and Develop Recreational Facilities on Coillte Lands The Heritage Council, in partnership with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), have announced a new course, ‘Certificate in Energy Renovation for Traditional Buildings (Level 8)’ with the first module to run from June to July 2022 which will take place in-person in TUS Limerick. *Added on 13/05/22* Energy Renovation for Traditional Buildings Course
Details are included below (*Added on 16/03/22) The County Cork Commemorations Grant Scheme 2022 is open for public applications until 17:00 on Thursday, 14th April2022. The County Cork Heritage Grant Scheme 2022 is open for public applications until 17:00 on Thursday, 14th April2022. CURRENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HERITAGE PROJECTS: