Carlow County Council Launches IPB LEAF Fund 2026

Carlow County Council Launches IPB LEAF Fund 2026
€50,000  Available  to  Support  Community  Climate  Action  and  Environmental Enhancement Projects
Carlow County Council, in partnership with IPB Insurance, has announced the launch of the IPB LEAF  Fund  2026, with  €50,000  in  funding  available  to  support  community-led  projects  that enhance  the  environment,  promote biodiversity,  support  the  circular  economy and  drive  local climate action across Carlow.

The fund, operating under the theme “Communities Working Together for Climate,” is now open for applications from Tidy Towns committees, Residents’ Associations, and community groups registered  with  Carlow  Public Participation  Network  (PPN).  Collaboration  with  schools,  sports clubs, Sustainable Energy Communities, and other local organisations is strongly encouraged to maximise community impact.

Grants  ranging  from  €2,000  to  €10,000  will  be  awarded  to  projects  that  deliver  practical environmental and climate benefits within local communities. Applications opened on Monday,13th July 2026, and must be submitted through the Carlow County Council online Submit Portal no later than midnight on Monday, 3rd August 2026.

The  IPB  Insurance  &  Local  Government  Ireland  Community  Fund,  also  known  as  the  Local Environmental  Action  Fund  (LEAF),  is  a  national  initiative  delivered  through  a  partnership between  IPB  Insurance  and  Ireland’s  31  local  authorities.  The  fund  aims  to  empower communities to take meaningful action in addressing environmental challenges while improving the quality of life in their local areas.

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 in Carlow”.

Speaking  about the  initiative, Pádraig O'Gorman, Director of Services, Carlow  County  Council,said:
The  IPB  LEAF  Fund  is  a  fantastic  example  of  the  longstanding  partnership  between  local government and IPB Insurance working together to support communities. As IPB celebrates 100 years  of  serving  local  authorities  across  Ireland,  this  fund  provides  a  valuable  opportunity  for community groups in County Carlow to take practical action on biodiversity, climate change and environmental  improvement.  From  creating  pollinator-friendly  spaces  and  enhancing  local habitats  to  reducing  waste  and  promoting  renewable  energy,  this  funding  can  help  turn  great local ideas into projects that make a real difference. We encourage community groups across the  county  to  get  involved,  apply  for  funding  and  help  create  more  sustainable  and  resilient communities for future generations.”

Carlow  County  Council  is  encouraging  applications  from  a  broad  range  of  community organisations  committed  to  environmental  improvement  and  climate  action.  Eligible  projects may include biodiversity conservation, habitat enhancement, ecological restoration, renewable energy  initiatives,  water  quality  protection,  circular  economy  projects,  rainwater  harvesting,climate  adaptation  measures,  and  environmental  awareness  and  education  programmes supporting local action.

Cllr. Tommy Kinsella,  Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council also welcomed the launch of the fund:
“I  am  delighted  to  welcome  the  launch  of  the  IPB  LEAF  Fund  2026,  which  provides  valuable support  for community  groups  across  County  Carlow  to  take  meaningful  action  on  climate change,  biodiversity  protection  and  environmental  enhancement.  The  strength  of  our communities  lies  in  people  working  together, and  this  fund  will  support  local  organisations  in delivering projects that make our towns, villages and communities  greener, more sustainable and more resilient. I encourage all eligible groups to explore the opportunities available through the fund, collaborate with local partners, and submit an application to help bring positive and lasting change across the County.”

Successful  projects  will  receive  100%  funding,  with  project  delivery  taking  place  between September and November 2026.

All funded projects must be completed by 14th November 2026.

Key Dates:

Applications Open: 

Carlow County Council in partnership with Carlow PPN will host an online information webinar on Wednesday,15th July @ 7pm. email climate@carlowcoco.ie to receive the link.

For more information on the fund, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines and access to  the  online  application  portal,  visit www.carlow.ie and  follow  the  Climate  Action  Initiatives link.