The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has launched the 2023/24 call for applications to the Water Quality Improvement Strand, which is part of its Environmental Challenge Fund Competition.

The fund is made available to support local communities and voluntary organisations to invest in projects that will deliver improvements in the local water environment, help connect people with the environment, and encourage behavioural change.

The fund is open to applications from constituted not-for-profit organisations and councils, and projects will run from spring 2023 until March 2024. The funding, subject to budget approval, will provide up to 85 % of funding for projects costing between Pound 5,000 and Pound 30,000.

Announcing this year's competition, NIEA Chief Executive, Paul Donnelly, said: "I am pleased to announce the launch of the NIEA Environment Fund - Water Quality Improvement Strand, which will support volunteers to further improve water quality in their communities. Community groups will provide an invaluable contribution to our plans to improve the quality of our water by carrying out monitoring and working to help eliminate pollution. This fund offers a great opportunity for local conservation groups to carry out this important work. I encourage eligible organisations to consider submitting an application through the Environment Fund - Water Quality Improvement Strand to achieve improvements in their local water environment."

The closing date for applications for the 2023/24 Environment Fund - Water Quality Improvement Strand is noon on 10 March 2023. Funding is subject to confirmation of 2023/24 budgets.

Further information, including guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website.