Could the River Quoile benefit from the NIEA 2024/25 Water Quality Challenge Fund ?
All eyes in Downpatrick are on the the Northern Ireland Environment Agency launch of the 2024/25 call for applications to the Water Quality Improvement Strand of its Environmental Challenge Fund Competition.
Will local groups or even council lodge an application to access these funds from the NIEA ? Or will there be non-profit partnerships emerging to address the need for water quality improvements on the River Quoile?
If water quality improves, it is a win-win for local wildlife and the many residents and users of the River Quoile.
So it is time for careful thought and consideration. This is an opportunity not to be missed! Public health, the health of wildlife, and the state of nature all can benefit.
Photo by Jim Masson/Down News ©)
The grant is open to applications from constituted not-for-profit organisations and councils, and projects will run from spring 2024 until February 2025. The funding will cover up to 85 % of funding for projects costing £5,000 to £30,000.
Announcing this year’s competition, NIEA Chief Executive, David Reid, said: “I am pleased to announce the opening of NIEA’s Water Quality Improvement Strand.
“This fund is made available to support local communities and voluntary organisations to run small projects that will deliver improvements in the local water environment, help connect people with that environment, and encourage behavioural change.
“Volunteers and community groups play a significant role in contributing to our plans to enhance the quality of our water.
“This is done through monitoring and our continued efforts to eliminate pollution and this fund offers a great opportunity for local conservation groups to support and continue in this important work.
“I would therefore encourage eligible organisations to consider submitting an application through this scheme to deliver improvements in their local water environment.”
The closing date for applications for the 2024/25 Water Quality Improvement Strand of the Environmental Challenge Fund Competition is 23.59 on 10 March 2024.
Funding is subject to confirmation of 2024/25 budgets.
Further information, including guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website at:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/environment-fund-water-quality-improvement-strand-202425
In 2023/24, twelve community projects across Northern Ireland benefitted from £260k to help improve water quality.
The three key themes for funding under this Challenge Competition are:
- Connecting people with the aquatic environment to achieve behavioural change
- Conservation and restoration of our aquatic environments
- Nature-based solutions, particularly for climate change mitigation and adaptation
