Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has awarded €883,000 to 28 community groups across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to support projects that address the negative effects of climate change.
This climate action funding will allow local organisations, including sports clubs, residents’ associations, community centres, community gardens, religious institutions, and more to undertake initiatives in areas such as community energy, active travel, the circular economy and biodiversity.
The projects funded included energy retrofits and the installation of solar panels on community buildings and sports clubs, lighting upgrades, community gardens and composting facilities, bike racks, a cargo bike library, tree planting initiatives, and rainwater harvesting systems, among other projects.
Cllr Jim O’Leary Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commented “our community groups are real drivers of creative and inclusive climate action across our county. I am thrilled to see so many groups leading diverse climate action projects, which are essential to achieving Ireland’s national climate and energy targets while also bringing tangible benefits to our communities. Their work and commitment is to be applauded.”
Of the 28 projects:
- Five projects are receiving funding between €50 to €100,000,
- 11 projects are receiving between €20,000 to €50,000, and
- 12 projects are receiving between €1,000 to €20,000.
The community groups have 18 months to deliver their projects and when completed will contribute to the fulfilment of a broad range of actions in the dlr Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.
Chief Executive Frank Curran said “the climate actions designed and undertaken by the 28 community groups are crucial in supporting our targets in the dlr Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 and moving us closer to being a climate resilient and climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. The transition to a climate neutral economy will impact on all of us and it is vital that we work together to achieve this transition. These Community Climate Action Programme projects demonstrate how we can all play a role in addressing climate change and I would like to thank each of these groups for acting on their desire to take climate action.”
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan said “I am delighted to support these vital local projects under the Community Climate Action Programme, a landmark fund which is making €24 million available to climate action projects across Ireland, alongside a €3 million contribution from the government’s Shared Island Fund. Communities and Local Authorities know best the climate actions that work for their area and can deliver the most effective climate solutions on the ground. I look forward to seeing the transformative effect these projects will have not only in tackling climate change, but in making our cities, towns and villages better places to live and work.”
The funding was made possible through the DECC Community Climate Action Programme.