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Government has announced a significant investment of €27 million in the Community Climate Action Programme, aimed at empowering local authorities and community groups to tackle climate change. The funding will support a variety of community-driven projects, including the installation of renewable energy systems, community gardens, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and composting facilities, among other initiatives.
This substantial programme is composed of €24 million from the national Climate Action Fund and €3 million from the Government’s Shared Island Fund. Together, these resources will enable projects across Ireland, benefiting sports clubs, local enterprises, arts groups, and tidy town organisations, all of which are expected to create a more sustainable future and reduce energy costs.
Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, welcomed the news, highlighting the importance of localised approaches:
“Place-based solutions deliver climate actions that really work because they are developed, and underpinned by local authority leadership and community ownership. I’m really excited to see the first projects under this strand of the Community Climate Action Programme announced and look forward to seeing how their development will make these communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”
The programme consists of two key strands. Strand 1 focuses on building low-carbon communities within the Republic of Ireland, while Strand 1a, backed by the Shared Island Fund, encourages cross-border and all-island climate initiatives, particularly those that involve Northern Irish partners. At least 50% of the funding for Strand 1a will be used for project delivery in Northern Ireland.
The initiative supports various community projects, providing up to €100,000 for larger-scale efforts over an 18-month period. It focuses on renewable energy installations, cycling infrastructure, composting, lighting upgrades, rainwater harvesting, and more.
Further engagement with communities is also being promoted. Minister Ryan recently launched a community climate engagement fund, designed to build awareness around climate action and its benefits. The minister hopes that Dublin Climate Action Week, which coincides with this funding announcement, will serve as an inspiration for other regions to embrace climate-friendly initiatives.
For more information, visit the Climate Action Fund website or contact your local community climate action officer.