This scheme, which is normally advertised each year, funds projects that promote sustainable development.  This money comes from the Borough and County Councils, and is match funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.  Sligo has consistently had some of the highest number of applications for this fund demonstrating the enthusiasm and breadth of sustainable work being delivered across the county.  

Background to Local Agenda 21

Agenda 21 is one of the outcomes of the Earth Summit held in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. Some of the major aims outlined in the document include:

• reducing the amount of energy and raw materials society consumes, as well as the pollution and waste it produces;
• protecting fragile ecosystems and environments;
• bringing about a fairer distribution of wealth, both between countries and between different social groups within countries, with particular emphasis on the rights of poor and disadvantaged people.

A number of principles are outlined in Agenda 21, including:

• people are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature;
• development today must not undermine the development and environment needs of present and future generations;
• in order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation from it;

Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens. Government shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making environment information widely available.

For futher information, please contact the Community and Enterprise office on 071-9111802.