€991,941 awarded to community climate projects across Kildare

Minister James Lawless has welcomed the announcement of the successful projects awarded funding under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme, with €991,941 in funding being awarded to local community climate projects across Kildare.

The funding forms part of a wider national investment announced by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, with almost €27 million being awarded to more than 650 projects nationwide.

The funding is being made available through local authorities to support communities in building low carbon and sustainable futures.

An additional €2.6 million has also been announced to support larger scale projects identified by local authorities through reserve lists, with successful projects under this funding stream due to be communicated to councils in the coming days.

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The programme supports a broad range of community led initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, improving biodiversity and strengthening sustainability at a local level.

Speaking on the announcement, Minister Lawless said: “Local communities are at the heart of our efforts on climate change, while also contributing to our national climate and energy goals. They are leading the charge and it is essential they are supported.

“That is what this money today will do, it provides funding to ensure even more of these ambitious community projects can move forward so we can achieve our climate goals.

“Right across Kildare I know people and groups who are passionate about making a difference, and I believe Government should support them in doing so.

“That is exactly what Fianna Fáil in Government is trying to achieve by providing greater support for communities taking real action on climate change at a local level.”

Projects funded under the programme have already delivered significant benefits for communities including lower energy costs, enhanced biodiversity, wildlife restoration, improved public amenities and stronger community engagement.

The scheme is administered through the network of Community Climate Action Officers within local authorities, who work directly with communities to provide guidance, support and practical assistance in delivering lower carbon and more sustainable projects.

Local projects include:

• €5,000.00 for Nurney GAA
• €2,798.75 for Maynooth Cycling Campaign
• €12,609.05 for Derrybeg Farm
• €18,508.05 for Kildare Wildlife Rescue
• €2,476.92 for St. Mary's Brass and Reed Band
• €10,798.33 for Maynooth Community First Responders
• €15,628.95 for Rathangan Community Association
• €18,356.36 for Robertstown GFC