Funding has been allocated to clean up Wicklow via two environmental grant schemes: the 2015 Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund and the 2015 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffitti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS).
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow and Minister of State Simon Harris has welcomed the funding, saying, “It is crucial that we support the many committed voluntary groups throughout Wicklow that do such great work in keeping our towns, villages and countryside clean. Therefore I very much welcome the total funding figure of €154, 640 which was announced this week as it will address graffitti and litter in our communities.
“Over €18, 000 has been allocated to Wicklow County Council under the 2015 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffitti Awareness Grant Scheme which allows them to support public education and awareness initiatives in relation to both litter and graffitti. There is a particular focus on voluntary initiatives involving schools, young people and community groups.
“A further €136, 640 has been allocated to Wicklow under the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. This fund supports small scale non-profit local environment initiatives by communities, individuals and not-for-profit groups. As part of the arrangement for this fund, Wicklow County Council will provide matching funding for the projects that, in previous years, have included community gardens, allotments and compost schemes, rainwater harvesting schemes, educationa initiatives and environmental exhibitions.
“Any groups seeking funding under the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund should send an application form to Wicklow County Council by 5pm on August 28. Application forms, local authority contacts, and further information on the LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund can be obtained from the Department’s website and will also be available from Wicklow County Council.
“We all should have the right to live in a clean well maintained environment and furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that the whole country is looking its best during peak tourist season. We want to live up to the image of Wicklow as a beautiful place and as the Garden of Ireland. Fulfilling the expectations of visitors in this regard will hugely increase the chances of them making return visits or recommending Wicklow as a destination to others,” concluded Minister Harris.
