Wicklow County Council launched the new Community Climate Action Programme today 6th December 2023.
The fund of €646,000, is being made available to organisations and community groups in Co. Wicklow who are interested in developing projects and initiatives which relate to the challenge of addressing climate change.
This fund has three Primary Objectives
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Build Climate Resilience
Help communities transition to a lower carbon economy
Councillor Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council welcomed the programme, stating that ‘Community action is at the heart of how we make Wicklow a more sustainable and liveable county. This funding supports community groups to provide leadership within their communities in addressing climate related challenges at a local level'.
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council acknowledged the foresight of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in providing this funding, which will support communities to promote and assist in community climate action, saying ‘The Community Climate Action programme will see an investment of €646,000 for County Wicklow, and presents a genuine opportunity for communities to avail of financial support whilst they implement climate action in their local area and build low carbon communities in a considered and structured way’.
Projects are eligible for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €100,000. Applications can be made by email to ccap@wicklowcoco.ie under any or all of the following five themes: Community & Energy, Climate & Environment, Shopping & Recycling, Food & Waste and Travel.
Breege Kilkenny, Director of Services, welcomed the funding programme, noting that ‘Wicklow 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 efficient homes; better travel options; more liveable towns and cities; more sustainable consumer choices; and a better environment for future generations’.
Councillor Lourda Scott, Cathaoirleach of the Climate and Biodiversity Action Strategic Policy Committee, added that ‘This substantial new fund will help our community partners put their plans into practice and help us achieve our climate change goals’