Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2025: Scheme to support projects that complement the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan

In support of the Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030, we are delighted to announce that the Community Grant Scheme 2025 is now open for applications. We consulted with previous grant recipients and have revised the grant scheme documentation to make it more user-friendly.
A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community- based projects which complement or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2030 along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).

Applications will be considered from communities seeking assistance for projects that help support the Objectives of the Heritage & Biodiversity Plan 2030:

• Objective 1 (developing high quality and accessible waterways heritage knowledge), the grant scheme could prioritise funding for community-led research and survey projects that document local heritage features, collect oral histories, or conduct biodiversity monitoring along the waterways. Funded projects would need to commit to making their findings publicly available through Waterways Ireland’s digital platforms and archives, helping build an open knowledge base about waterway heritage. This could include supporting citizen science initiatives where communities help gather data about wildlife, water quality, or heritage features.

• Objective 2 (ensuring integrated management aligned with UN SDGs), grants could support projects that demonstrate clear linkages between heritage protection and sustainable development goals. For example, funding could go to initiatives that ensure heritage building restoration, or projects that enhance both biodiversity and community wellbeing through heritage-focused environmental improvements. Applicants would be encouraged to show how their projects contribute to specific SDGs.

• Objective 3 (strengthening inspiring heritage experiences), the grant scheme could fund creative and engaging community projects that bring waterway heritage to life for diverse audiences. This might include supporting heritage festivals, educational programmes, arts projects, or digital interpretation projects that help people connect with waterway heritage in meaningful ways.

Full guidance document can be downloaded: 

Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant 2025 – Application Guidance.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 14th February 2025. 

Download the Application Form 2025.