IPB Insurance & Monaghan County Council Launch €50,000 Local Fund to Support “Communities Working Together for Climate”
The largest-ever coordinated community fund of its kind in Ireland has been launched locally today by Monaghan 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 Monaghan County Council, this will see an additional €50,000 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. This investment builds on Monaghan County Council’s continued commitment to supporting local communities. In 2026, the Council has already allocated over €90,000 through its Environment, Biodiversity and Circular Economy Fund, providing significant support to Tidy Towns groups, Residents’ Associations and other voluntary organisations delivering environmental improvements across the county.
Together, these funding streams will further enable communities to enhance local biodiversity, improve green spaces, and take meaningful climate action, reinforcing Monaghan’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
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 in Monaghan County Council will be delivered through a matched funding model, combining IPB Insurance contributions with existing local authority supports and environmental funding programmes. Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said:
“We are delighted to support the rollout of this Community Fund in Monaghan, 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.”
Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council remarked:
“Monaghan County Council proudly supports all our tidy towns and community organisations and recognises their hard work and commitment to ensuring our towns and villages are maintained to a high standard. We look forward to partnering with them once again and helping them support and grow our local 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 Monaghan County Council ”
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.