Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
254. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the supports and funding streams available for organisations involved in marine protection and conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Environmental Network receives core grant funding from the Circular Economy Fund, with a 2026 allocation of €3.127 million. This funding is distributed as core funding to the IEN’s 41 member organisations, including those involved in marine protection and conservation.
My Department also funds the Clean Coasts programme operated by An Taisce. The Clean Coasts programme includes over 2,500 groups drawn from communities, businesses, sporting groups and educational bodies with over 45,000 volunteers involved around the country.
Clean Coasts volunteer groups can also engage with other coastal protection voluntary actions such as protection of dunes thorough marram grass planting and An Taisce provide a wide range of awareness raising activities for communities in relation to our marine and coastal environment.
In 2026, €635,000 has been allocated to the Clean Coasts programme. This is split between €500,000 for the core programme and a further €135,000 for #2minutebeachclean.
