Funds available to communities promoting local water heritage and quality

Community groups across Cork have been invited to apply for funding under the Water Heritage Grant Scheme as part of marking Water Heritage Day 2026.

Under the scheme, €30,000 in grant funding is available for community-led events and initiatives that celebrate local water heritage and promote awareness of water quality.

Events marking the day will also be held during Heritage Week 2026, taking place from August 15 to 23.

Mr O’Sullivan said Water Heritage Day gives communities “a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our heritage through water”.

“Whether it is hosting a river safari, a talk at the riverside or launching a booklet on a local waterway, there are many creative ways to get involved,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“I would encourage groups to apply for a Water Heritage Day grant and to celebrate what makes their local waterbody special.” 

Director of services at LAWPRO, Anthony Coleman, said he is “delighted to once again encourage community groups to apply for funding for a water-related event this Heritage Week”.

“The theme of Heritage Week 2026 is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and it is important that we support initiatives that help communities understand, protect and celebrate their local waterways, particularly where aspects of our water heritage may be at risk,” said Mr Coleman.

As an added incentive to community groups, later this year, an awards ceremony will recognise outstanding events held throughout Heritage Week 2026.

Organisers of Water Heritage Day events will have the opportunity to submit their event to be considered for a Water Heritage Award.

To run a Heritage Week event, applicants must register the event on the Heritage Week website at: https://www.heritageweek.ie.

Applications for the grants can be submitted through the LAWPRO website at: https://lawaters.ie/.

The closing date and time for applications is July 20 at 5pm.