FINGAL environmental groups are celebrating after some € 14,616.50 in funding was awarded for a number of local projects. The funding has been provided by the Department of the Environment under the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund and has been matched by Fingal County Council. Amongst the recipients were the Irish Seal Sanctuary, who will develop coastal ecowalks for groups with intellectual disabilities, The Irish Wildlife Trust for a number of projects including biodiversity planning with Fingal Tidy Town Groups, and Conservation Volunteers Fingal to assist with managing the Luttrellstown woodland for biodiversity. Each sum awarded to a project will be matched by the local authority, serving to double the funding provided. Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent TD, welcomed the news.

'I'm delighted that this funding has been awarded,' Minister Sargent said. ' While the sums are small, they will make a huge difference to the projects concerned.

' These projects help educate our community, particularly those aimed at children and will also help to save energy or enhance our environment in a targeted way.

'I particularly welcome the funding provided to composting and garden projects. Food production, above all locally grown organic, enhances our food security and lowers our food air miles thus helping to cut down on our carbon footprint.

'Only two or three decades ago growing food at home or in the community was the norm. We've since lost much of our skills and knowledge in this area. I hope the projects involved will help reinstate some of that.' Fianna Fáil TD, Michael Kennedy echoed those comments. ' The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund supports local small scale, non-profit environmental projects,' he said.

' This scheme is an excellent initiative supporting sustainable development and protecting the environment at a local level.

'I am delighted that 13 local projects in the Fingal area will benefit from this funding and I wish to commend them all on their success.'

- Robin KIELY