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Cork City Council Invites Applications to €50,000 Local Environmental Action Fund

08/07/2026

Cork City Council, in partnership with IPB Insurance, is inviting applications to a new €50,000 fund to help deliver projects that improve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, reduce emissions and enhance neighbourhoods. 

The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) 2026, which is open to members of the Cork City Public Participation Network (PPN) only, will provide grants ranging from €1,000 to €25,000 to fund projects such as pollinator planting schemes, rain gardens, community orchards, biodiversity enhancements, energy upgrades to community facilities, small-scale solar projects, environmental workshops and community sustainability events. 

The funding will be provided through two funding streams: a Capital Investment Fund and an Events and Awareness Fund. 

Approximately 80% of funding will be allocated to capital projects, with the remaining funding will support community events, training and awareness raising initiatives. 
The LEAF Fund is built around a simple idea: communities working together to improve their local environment. 

Projects must demonstrate collaboration with at least one other community organisation where possible, reflecting the programme's emphasis on partnership and shared action. 

Applicants must be members of the Cork City PPN and projects must be completed between September and November 2026.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, said: "Some of the most effective climate action happens at community level. 

“The Local Environmental Action Fund will help turn good ideas into real projects that leave a lasting legacy for Cork City.

“Whether it's creating wildlife habitats, improving community spaces or helping people learn new skills, I would encourage all community groups to take this opportunity and apply.”

John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, highlighted the LEAF Fund’s importance within IPB’s centenary year.

“As Ireland’s local government mutual insurer, IPB Insurance exists to protect our members who, every day, serve the public and their communities,” Mr Hogan said. 
“Our mutual ethos goes beyond insurance; it’s about giving back and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and enhance places. 

“In our centenary year, this LEAF Fund represents a meaningful investment in the future of towns and communities across Ireland, delivered in partnership with the local authorities who founded IPB. 

“I am particularly delighted to see the fund launching here today in Cork City Council.”

Applications are now open. The deadline for completed applications is July 29.
 
Community groups with ideas for climate action, biodiversity enhancement or environmental improvement projects are encouraged to apply.

Before submitting an application, groups should consider:

  • How their project will benefit their local environment;
  • How they can involve other community organisations;
  • How the project will continue to deliver benefits after the funding period;
  • How the project aligns with wider biodiversity and climate action goals.


Full details of the fund, eligibility criteria and application forms are available at:
Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) 2026 - Cork City Council

Community groups looking for inspiration can also explore projects funded through the Community Climate Action Programme Storymap: https://arcg.is/0aaXXa

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