Labour TD Eamon Maloney has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, that there is to be an increase in grant funding of €126,000 under the 2013 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund.

Mr Maloney said: "The 2013 Environmental Partnership Fund, totalling €800,000, is being jointly provided by the Department and Local Authorities together with a contribution from the successful projects.

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"It seeks to promote sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit locally-based environmental projects. Funding is provided by local authorities on foot of applications from the various projects. A wide range of local initiatives receive funding, including community gardens, waste reduction and biodiversity projects.

"I am delighted with the increased funding, which means that 37 projects in the South Dublin County Council area are beneficiaries this year. The funding rewards sustainable development and gives tremendous encouragement to those groups and individuals who work for their communities and for a better quality of life for all."

(CD/JP)