Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications are delighted to announce the allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the county. This funding will support projects aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change as part of the Community Climate Action Programme.
The main objective of this programme is to empower communities to take climate action and to foster the development of low-carbon, sustainable communities, contributing to national climate and energy targets. The funded projects include initiatives such as the installation of renewable energy systems, the development of community gardens, installation of EV chargers, bike racks, water refill stations, composting facilities, lighting upgrades and rainwater harvesting systems.
The fund opened for applications on December 6, 2023, and closed on March 6, 2024. Community groups throughout the county were invited to apply under one or more of the following themes:
- Travel
- Food & Waste
- Shopping & Recycling
- Community & Energy
- Local Climate & Environmental Action
A total of 40 applications were received from interested groups. Following a competitive selection process, 20 community groups were successful in this first round of funding, and they have now entered the delivery stage of their projects. Details of the funded projects can be found at https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/Services/Environment/Climate-Action-and-Biodiversity/Community-Climate-Action-Fund
under the Climate Action and Biodiversity section.
Another round of funding for the Community Climate Action Programme will be announced in the future. Wicklow County Council is currently awaiting updates from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, and details will be shared once confirmed
Cathaoirleach of the Climate Action, Biodiversity, Environment, Energy, Marine, Recreation and Amenity Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr. Erika Doyle commented: “Our community groups are vital drivers of innovative and inclusive climate action across our county. It’s truly inspiring to see twenty groups leading a diverse range of climate projects, which not only contribute to County Wicklow’s climate and energy goals but also create lasting benefits for local communities. These community-led initiatives showcase how local groups can play a central role in building climate resilience. I want to extend my gratitude to all the community groups who applied for the programme, and I look forward to seeing further funding made available through this initiative”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, commented that “The climate actions being designed and carried out by these community groups are essential in supporting the targets outlined in our Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, bringing us closer to a climate-resilient and climate-neutral economy. Wicklow County Council, in partnership with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is proud to support community groups in driving climate action that benefits the entire community. These locally initiated projects are making a real impact on climate change because they are shaped by the community's needs and backed by local authority leadership. I look forward to seeing how these projects will strengthen our communities and enhance their resilience to the impacts of climate change”.
Picture: (L to R) Merlin Ovington - Administrative Officer, Cllr. Lourda Scott, Jenny Sherwin - Arts Officer, Cllr. Jason Mulhall, Emma Smith - West Wicklow PPN, Cathaoirleach of SPC Cllr. Erika Doyle, Cllr. Danny Alvey, Cllr. Dermot O’Brien, Theresa O’Brien - Director Of Service, Justin Ivory - LAWPro, Julie Sammiller - Community Climate Action Officer, Mary Cahill - Senior Engineer, Tom Fox - Senior Executive Engineer, Cllr. Peir Leonard, Tom Griffin - Senior Executive Chemist, Joshua Saji George – Graduate, Mark Costello - Climate Action Coordinator, Joanne O Dowd - Senior Executive Engineer Michael McNamara - Senior Executive Officer. Photo by Ger Murphy.