The largest-ever coordinated community fund of its kind in Ireland was officially launched yesterday by Minister for Local Government and Planning John Cummins in Tramore as part of a major new national funding initiative for Tidy Towns, Residents’ Associations and community groups undertaking environmental activities.

The IPB Insurance & Local Authorities Community Fund, also known as the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), is a €3m+ partnership between IPB Insurance and all 31 local authorities, providing vital support for environmental enhancement, biodiversity and climate action projects in communities across the country.  

The launch coincides with IPB Insurance’s centenary year, marking 100 years of supporting local authorities and communities across Ireland.

Launched in Tramore by Minister for Local Government and Planning John Cummins T.D., the fund reflects a shared commitment by local authorities and their mutual insurer to empower local communities to deliver practical, grassroots environmental action in their own areas.

The Fund supports Tidy Towns committees and groups undertaking similar activities, including Residents’ Associations and other voluntary community groups registered with local Public Participation Networks (PPNs), and encourages collaboration with schools, community organisations, sports clubs and local stakeholders under the theme “Communities Working Together for Climate.”

Developed in close partnership with the County & City Management Association (CCMA) and its Rural, Community, Culture and Heritage (RCCH) Committee, the Fund will see approximately €100,000 available in each local authority area through matched funding. This funding is 100% matched by each local authority, with the match comprising of existing allocated grants and funds such as Tidy Towns supports, Residents’ Association funding streams, climate and environmental funding programmes, as well as other relevant local authority funding streams and initiatives. This approach enables projects of varying scale to proceed nationwide.

The fund is launching on the first anniversary of the commencement of the Tidy Towns Insurance Scheme partnership between IPB and local authority Members, whereby eligible Tidy Towns no longer have to procure or pay for insurance.

The initiative builds on the strong track record of the Tidy Towns movement and community volunteers, whose work plays a central role in enhancing quality of life, strengthening civic pride and supporting national climate and biodiversity goals. 

The fund will be rolled out of over the next 8 weeks across all 31 local authorities nationwide to coincide with local voluntary groups busy programme of work ahead of the summer. 

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