Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, has announced almost €27 million in new funding from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) to help local authorities build low-carbon communities across the country. The investment is part of the Community Climate Action Programme, which aims to support initiatives that foster community participation in climate action through education, capacity building, and practical local projects.
The new funding marks the launch of Phase 2 of the programme, following the success of Phase 1, which allocated €24 million to 650 community projects nationwide. Under this phase, all local authorities will work in partnership with community groups to deliver projects contributing to Ireland’s national climate and energy targets. The initiative emphasizes grassroots engagement, encouraging communities to lead efforts that reduce emissions and build climate resilience.
Eligible community projects will focus on five core areas: community energy, sustainable travel, food and waste management, shopping and recycling, and local environmental action. These projects aim to help communities adopt sustainable practices and create long-term environmental and social benefits.
Minister O’Brien highlighted that while climate change is a global issue, Ireland’s local communities are central to the solution. He noted that previous programme participants have already made tangible impacts, such as installing solar panels on community buildings, launching shared transport schemes, and enhancing local biodiversity. The new phase will enable more communities to take similar practical steps toward a sustainable future.
The programme will be administered through Community Climate Action Officers (CCAO) in local authorities. These officers will serve as key resources, offering guidance and support to community groups and organizations seeking to transition to lower-carbon, more sustainable operations.
