Funding of 30000 allocated to clean up mayo
FUNDING of €30,000 has been allocated to 'clean up Mayo' as part of a €1.09 million allocation via two environmental grant schemes - the 2015 Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund and the 2015 Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS).
Welcoming the funding, the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, said €18,000 is being allocated to Mayo County Council under the latter scheme to allow the local authority support public education and awareness initiatives in relation to both litter and graffiti.
“There is a particular focus on voluntary initiatives involving schools, young people and community groups,” the minister said. “It is crucial that we support the many committed voluntary groups that do such great work in keeping our towns, villages and countryside clean.
“Graffiti and litter are the scourge of our society. We all should have the right to live in a clean, well maintained environment.
“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 Ireland as a green and beautiful place. Fulfilling the expectations of visitors in this regard will hugely increase the chances of them making return visits or recommending Ireland as a destination to others.”
Meanwhile, €12,000 is being allocated to the county council under the LA21 scheme, which supports small-scale, non-profit local environmental initiatives by communities, individuals and not-for-profit groups.
“As part of the arrangement for this fund, Mayo County Council will provide matching funding for the projects that, in previous years, have included community gardens, allotments and compost schemes, rainwater harvesting schemes, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions,” Minister Ring highlighted.
Anyone looking for funding under the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund should send an application form to Mayo County Council by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 28. Application forms, local authority contacts, and further information is available on LA21 can be obtained from the council itself and from the Department of the Environment website on www.environ.ie.