Supporting Communities Working Together for Climate

The largest-ever coordinated community fund of its kind in Ireland has been launched locally this week by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as part of a nationwide €3m+ initiative supporting Tidy Towns groups, residents’ associations and community organisations engaged in environmental action.

The IPB Insurance & Local Government Ireland Community Fund, also known as the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), is a national partnership between IPB Insurance and all 31 local authorities. For Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council this will see approximately €100,000 in funding being made available to local Tidy Towns, Residents’ Associations and groups undertaking similar activities that support community-led projects focused on environmental enhancement, biodiversity and climate action.

The initiative forms part of IPB Insurance’s centenary year, marking 100 years of partnering with local authorities in protecting and supporting communities across Ireland. In partnership with Local Government Ireland, representing all 31 local authorities, the Fund represents a shared commitment to empower communities to take practical action to improve their local environment. The Fund will support Tidy Towns committees, Residents’ Associations and voluntary community groups registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN), and encourages collaboration with schools, sports clubs and local organisations under the theme “Communities Working Together for Climate.”

Funding will be delivered through a matched funding model, combining IPB Insurance contributions with existing local authority supports and environmental funding programmes. 

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“We are delighted to support the rollout of this Community Fund in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown which recognises and strengthens the vital work carried out by our local Tidy Towns groups and community organisations. These groups are at the heart of our communities, driving real improvements in environmental quality, biodiversity and civic pride. This funding will help enable practical, locally led projects that enhance our towns, villages and neighbourhoods for everyone. This initiative also highlights the power of partnership between local government and IPB Insurance, delivering meaningful investment directly to our communities.”

John Hogan, Chair of IPB Insurance, highlighted the Fund’s importance within IPB’s Centenary Year saying: 

“As Ireland’s local government mutual insurer, IPB Insurance exists to protect our Members who, every day, serve the public and their communities. Our mutual ethos goes beyond insurance, it’s about giving back and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and enhance places. In our Centenary Year, this Fund represents a meaningful investment in the future of towns and communities across Ireland, delivered in partnership with the local authorities who founded IPB. I am particularly delighted to see the fund launching here today in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown."

The IPB Insurance and Local Government Ireland LEAF initiative builds on the strength and legacy of the Tidy Towns movement and community volunteers nationwide, whose contributions play a key role in enhancing quality of life and supporting Ireland’s climate and biodiversity goals. It also marks the first anniversary of the Tidy Towns Insurance Scheme partnership, which has removed insurance barriers for eligible groups.