Applications now open for the Community Climate Action Programme

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has today opened the grant applications for the Community Climate Action Programme. In cooperation with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), we will provide funding to local community groups and organisations interested in developing capital projects which relate to the challenge of addressing climate change.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the Community Climate Action Programme, Cllr Denis O’Callaghan Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commented:

“Climate Change has no boundaries; we must come together and collaborate on our approach to climate change that is inclusive, meaningful and accessible for all. Effectively engaging with local communities on climate action provides opportunities to enable positive behavioural shifts that lead to a better future for all. This, in turn can have a significant impact on reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change on future generations.  The funding provided under the Community Climate Action Programme is a great opportunity for local community groups and organisations, supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, to play an active role in helping our county and Ireland to become a carbon neutral economy and climate resilient society by 2050.”

dlr has been given an allocation of €883,000 for communities to carry out projects in their local area that have a direct climate action impact. The funding is for capital investment in small, medium, and large-scale community climate action projects that address at least one, but preferably more than one of the following themes: community energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, as well as local climate and environmental action. Projects are eligible for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €100,000.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council added:

” Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has recently finished public consultation with the community on its draft Climate Action Plan. The plan highlights how communities can benefit from the low carbon transition.  This means warmer, more energy efficient homes; improved travel options; more liveable towns and cities; more sustainable consumer choices; and a healthier environment for future generations.  The Community Climate Action programme will see an investment of €883,000 for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and presents a unique opportunity for communities to avail of financial support whilst they implement climate action in their local area.”

In addition, a separate fund the Shared Island Community Climate Action is available to support cross-border and all-island community climate action partnerships between community organisations in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County and in Northern Ireland.

How to make an application

Applications for the Community Climate Action Programme can be made here from 9 am on Wednesday, December 13th until Wednesday, March 6th 2024 at 5 pm. Applicants of both grants will be provided help and support throughout the application process and further support will be given to successful groups during delivery of their projects. For more information on the Community Climate Action Programme or to make an appointment to discuss your potential project please email the Community Climate Action Officer, Cynthia O’Mahony, at climate@dlrcoco.ie or find our more information here.

Information Workshop on January 11th 2024

An information session and workshop will be held on January 11th to support community groups in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to develop proposals for local community action projects, based on expert advice and case studies.  Community groups interested in attending the workshop should email climate@dlrcoco.ie for more information.  You can book here now.

As an investment under the Climate Action Fund, the overall objective of the Community Climate Action Programme is to support and empower communities, to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a holistic way to contribute to Ireland’s climate and energy targets.  The Programme aims to support small and large, rural and urban communities to take positive climate action. This Programme supports direct engagement with communities to both promote and assist in the scale up of community climate action from the respective starting points of the communities.