News

Minister O’Sullivan launches expanded Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2026

Date Released: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

  • €800,000 boost for peatlands and Natura sites available under the scheme
  • Grants of up to €40,000 available for Natura 2000 designated sites
  • Grants of up to €20,000 available for Non-Natura peatland sites

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD today (November 12th) launched the call for applications for 2026 funding under the NPWS Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme.

Minister O’Sullivan said:

"The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme is a vital support which empowers communities to undertake valuable restoration work in their local areas. This year even more funding is available under the Scheme to support this work.”

“We want to encourage everyone to help protect our peatlands and precious Natura 2000 sites. Schemes such as this allow our communities to build stronger connections to our beautiful natural landscapes.”

Following an increase in applications in 2025, the amount of funding available for the scheme has increased by 25% to €800,000. 

The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme aims to encourage local communities, organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to actively contribute to the conservation and restoration of Natura 2000 sites and peatland areas. Natura 2000 sites are protected sites, including Special Protection Areas (SPA) for birds and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) for habitats and species.

Applications are invited across 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,
  • maintenance measures that support  conservation measures,
  • monitoring or surveying work to inform of restoration/conservation projects,
  • invasive species and fire control measures,
  • anti-littering initiatives
  • local environmental improvements in the area of the designated sites and other peatland areas.

Successful applicants for this year’s assistance will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project's eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000 for Natura 2000 designated sites and up to €20,000 for Non-Natura 2000 peatland sites.

Further details of the scheme and how to apply are available here.

Further Information

Details of the terms and conditions of the Scheme and the application form required to apply are available via Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2026.

Closing date for submission of applications is 9th January 2026

Email: nature@npws.gov.ie

Tel: 053-9117618

Activities/projects funded under the scheme will be subject to adherence with all relevant statutory requirements.