28/01/2025
New Nature Recovery Fund Announced
Environment Minister Andrew Muir has launched a new Nature Recovery Challenge Fund, offering financial support to councils and voluntary organisations for environmental projects across Northern Ireland.
The fund, which will offer a minimum grant award of £50,000, will support projects that contribute to Nature Recovery, including Nature Recovery Networks, Species Recovery Networks, and 30x30 Projects.
Projects that support the conservation of Lough Neagh are particularly encouraged to apply.
"This Challenge Fund grant competition will provide vital funding for projects that are crucial to protecting and enhancing our environment," said Minister Muir.
The maximum amount of Government funding available under the competition will be 80% of eligible project costs.
Councils and voluntary organisations are now invited to submit applications for funding. Minister Muir continued: "This funding is a great opportunity to support the work of local organisations who are passionate about improving the environment and delivering practical actions that will promote nature recovery. I am delighted to announce the opening of this competition fund which provides a great opportunity to support local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help deliver key environmental outcomes outlined in Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan and the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
"This funding will support projects that will significantly contribute towards our commitments to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Projects will increase the area of wildlife habitat; protect and improve management of habitats, and create 'nature networks' which will enhance habitat connectivity and support higher species populations or greater species diversity."
Further information, including eligibility, guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website at: Environment Fund 2023 - 2028. The closing date for applications is noon on 7 March 2025.
The fund, which will offer a minimum grant award of £50,000, will support projects that contribute to Nature Recovery, including Nature Recovery Networks, Species Recovery Networks, and 30x30 Projects.
Projects that support the conservation of Lough Neagh are particularly encouraged to apply.
"This Challenge Fund grant competition will provide vital funding for projects that are crucial to protecting and enhancing our environment," said Minister Muir.
The maximum amount of Government funding available under the competition will be 80% of eligible project costs.
Councils and voluntary organisations are now invited to submit applications for funding. Minister Muir continued: "This funding is a great opportunity to support the work of local organisations who are passionate about improving the environment and delivering practical actions that will promote nature recovery. I am delighted to announce the opening of this competition fund which provides a great opportunity to support local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help deliver key environmental outcomes outlined in Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan and the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
"This funding will support projects that will significantly contribute towards our commitments to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Projects will increase the area of wildlife habitat; protect and improve management of habitats, and create 'nature networks' which will enhance habitat connectivity and support higher species populations or greater species diversity."
Further information, including eligibility, guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website at: Environment Fund 2023 - 2028. The closing date for applications is noon on 7 March 2025.
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Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic disruption in east Belfast on Friday, 31st January, due to the Irish Cup sixth-round match between Glentoran and Linfield. The game will be held at The Bet McLean Oval Stadium, kicking off at 7:45 pm, with an expected attendance of up to 6,000 supporters.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Some early brightness or sunshine in the east. Otherwise a mostly cloudy day and dry for much of the time, just some patches of light rain or drizzle in the afternoon. A milder day with fresh southerly winds. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Cloudy through the evening with patchy light rain or drizzle. Heavier and more persistent rain spreads in from the west overnight. Strong southerly winds. Minimum temperature 5 °C.