Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has announced the opening of the 2026/2027 call for applications to the Water Quality Improvement Strand of the Environmental Challenge Fund Competition. This grant is aimed at not-for-profit organisations and local councils to support projects that enhance the local water environment, engage communities with nature, and encourage positive environmental behaviours.
Projects funded through the scheme are expected to start in spring 2026 and conclude by February 2027, with funding covering up to 85% of eligible project costs. Budgets for individual projects can range from £5,000 to £30,000, allowing a wide range of initiatives to be supported.
Minister Muir highlighted the importance of the programme, noting that over the past six years, £1.2 million has been awarded to 60 projects, including river clean-ups, habitat restoration schemes, and catchment interventions. He encouraged eligible organisations to apply, specifically citing opportunities to improve water environments such as Lough Neagh and its surrounding catchment areas.
The funding has already delivered tangible outcomes. Project manager Andrew Bratton from Sea2it reported that the programme enabled his team to remove 2.7 tonnes of material from the River Bann and River Roe in 2024/2025, while also training volunteers to identify and treat invasive species such as giant hogweed.
Similarly, Aidan Donnelly of Armagh Anglers explained that the funding has been essential for projects reducing invasive weeds at Lowry’s Lake. His work includes algae treatment, fencing off feeder streams, and educating farmers, landowners, and industry on how their actions impact water quality, helping to restore habitats for species such as brown trout.
Applications for the 2026/2027 Water Quality Improvement Strand of the Environmental Challenge Fund Competition close on February 18, 2026, providing an opportunity for organisations to deliver measurable improvements in local water environments.
