South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has launched the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) in partnership with IPB Insurance, providing €100,000 to support community-led environmental projects.

The initiative was officially unveiled by the Mayor of SDCC, Councillor Francis Timmons, at Rathfarnham Castle Park on Monday 6 July 2026.

Part of the coordinated national Communities Working Together for Climate fund, LEAF backs projects across Environmental Enhancement, Biodiversity and Climate Action within SDCC's administrative area, with a particular focus on empowering local volunteer networks.

Mayor Francis Timmons said: "The joint initiative will provide the support to empower Tidy Towns members and voluntary Community Groups to deliver visible and practical environmental improvements in local areas. Whether your community wants to create a new green space, improve local biodiversity, boost energy efficiency, or reduce food waste, this fund is here to help."

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The IPB Insurance and SDCC collaboration builds on the legacy of the Tidy Towns movement and community volunteers, whose efforts enhance quality of life while advancing Ireland's climate and biodiversity objectives.

Grants ranging from €1,000 to €25,000 are available to fully fund impactful local projects that enhance the environment, including biodiversity, sustainability, water conservation, circular economy, renewable energy and waste reduction initiatives. Applicants must be a Tidy Towns group or a similar voluntary body such as a Residents’ Association, and each project must involve collaboration with at least one other stakeholder (for example, local schools, Scouts, youth or sports clubs, Women’s Sheds, Men’s Sheds, or community gardens).

Example projects include pollinator-friendly perennial planting aligned with the SDCC/All-Ireland Pollinator Plan; tree planting and urban greening on school or sports grounds; small-scale renewable energy such as solar installations at community centres; water conservation measures like water butts, rain gardens and rainwater harvesting; repair cafés and recycling or waste-reduction drives; public sustainability education; and climate-resilience works such as flood prevention.

The application deadline is 6pm on Friday 7 August 2026. Full Guidelines for Applicants are available on the SDCC website, and applications should be submitted via the online LEAF Application Form.