The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme (PNCES), formerly the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme (PCES), operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is now open for applications for 2025 with a closing date of 24 January 2025. This is a competitive fund, with up to €600,000 available in 2025.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has responsibility for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage and biodiversity at national government level. The responsibilities of the NPWS include the protection of habitats and species through the designation of sites as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA).

The objective of the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme (PNCES) is to educate and raise awareness of Ireland’s Natura 2000 sites (sites designated as an SAC and/or SPA) and all peatland areas, by providing grants to local community groups and organisations which will support a diverse range of initiatives with community benefit, including;

• events, education programmes, promotions, publications, exhibitions,
• development of conservation management plans,
• public amenity and recreational measures,
• public amenity and recreational measures,
• maintenance to support the conservation of habitats,
• monitoring or surveying work to inform restoration/conservation projects, invasive
  species and fire control measures,
• anti-littering initiatives and general environmental improvements

Grant Levels

Under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme, there are two categories of funding available:

Category 1 – Natura 2000 sites (SAC / SPA): The maximum grant available is 80% of the costs of the project to a maximum of €40,000

Category 2 – Non-Natura Peatland sites (incl. NHA and undesignated sites): The maximum grant available is 80% of the cost of the project to a maximum of €20,000

Applications:

Details of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and Application Form needed to apply are available via the links below:

​Terms and Conditions and Application Form for the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme in English (PDF versions)
Terms and Conditions and Application Form for the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme in Irish (PDF versions)
Protected Areas – What to be aware of if considering works on or near a protected site (PDF)

Circular 13/2014 Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds (PDF version)

Please note that the submission of an application form does not guarantee funding from the Department. Incomplete and late applications will be refused and returned to applicants.

Further details are available by contacting:

Email: nature@npws.gov.ie

Phone: (053) 9117618

Source: https://www.npws.ie/peatlands-and-turf-cutting/peatlands-and-natura-community-engagement-scheme-2025