Minister of State for Nature Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD has launched the 2026 funding round under the NPWS Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme. A total of €800,000 is available to support community-led conservation projects.

Grants of up to €40,000 are offered for projects on Natura 2000 designated sites while non-Natura peatland sites can receive up to €20,000. The increase in funding reflects a 25 per cent rise in applications in 2025.

Minister O’Sullivan said the scheme was a vital support for communities carrying out restoration work in their local areas. He said it aimed to help protect Ireland’s peatlands and Natura 2000 sites and to build stronger connections between communities and the natural landscape.

The scheme supports a wide range of initiatives including events and education programmes, conservation management plans, public amenity and recreational projects, maintenance measures that support conservation, monitoring and surveying work, invasive species and fire control, anti-littering campaigns and other local environmental improvements.

Successful applicants will receive funding for up to 80 per cent of eligible project costs with a maximum grant of €40,000 for Natura 2000 sites and €20,000 for non-Natura peatland sites.

Applications are now open for the 2026 round.