Cork Community Groups can avail of Environment Fund - Statement by Minister Micheál Martin, TD

Cork’s community groups, voluntary organisations or residents groups are being invited to apply for support from a Government fund to support local environment projects, according to Fianna Fáil TD and Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheál Martin.

“The Local Agenda 21 Environment Fund is making €630,000 available nationally to groups which are working locally to improve their areas and awareness of local environment issues.”

“Last year over 400 projects were supported in communities across Cork and throughout the country. They covered a range of areas from communities coming together to clean up an area, to the development of local vegetable plots where people started ‘Grow your own Food’ initiatives.”

“Such projects are not only good for the environment, but can also help promote community spirit and help to get young people involved in improving their own areas.”

“The initiative is jointly funded by the Government and the local authorities. As we head towards the summer months I would encourage all communities in Cork to examine if they have a project that is eligible for support.”

“Information and application forms are being made available through Environmental Awareness Officers in both the City and County Council, or through the Department of the Environment website, www.environ.ie”, concluded Minister Martin.