The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is encouraging community groups to apply under the ‘Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2025’ to celebrate Water Heritage Day on Sunday, 24th August. LAWPRO is a national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality in rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water.
Applicants are asked to contact their local Community Water Officer in advance of making an application. Their contact details are on the LAWPRO website (https://lawaters.ie/ ) and the deadline for making an application is Friday, 25th July at 4pm.
Speaking about the €30,000 grants scheme Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at LAWPRO noted the importance of our waterways.
“We are delighted to once again invite community groups to organise a water related event for Heritage Week. The theme of Heritage Week 2025 is “Exploring Our Foundations” and our waterways are an important part of the history of our island.
Water Heritage Day gives communities a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our heritage through water whether it be hosting a river safari, a talk at the riverside or launching a booklet on a local waterway, there are ample ways to get involved,” he said.
Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council welcomed LAWPRO’s grant programme.
“Water Heritage Day continues to be a significant highlight during National Heritage Week every year, showcasing the creative and ingenious ways communities celebrate the impact of canals, lakes, rivers, and the sea on our local heritage. This LAWPRO grant scheme will enable people to explore and highlight our water-based foundations, emphasising how vital they are to our natural heritage. It’s a wonderful opportunity for event organisers to avail of supports that will encourage them to dive into our shared history and appreciate the incredible resource our waters provide.”
LAWPRO works in partnership with the Heritage Council, and to run a Heritage Week event you have to register your event on their website. As part of Heritage Week there are awards for events held throughout the week, if you are holding a Water Heritage Day event you can submit your event to be considered for a Water Heritage Award. More information on the awards can be found at www.heritageweek.ie/awards
