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The funding allocated in County Donegal will support small (up to €20,000), medium (€20,000-€50,000), and large-scale (€50,000-€100,000) community climate action projects in five key theme areas, - community energy, sustainable travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, and local climate and environmental action.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan said: “I am delighted to support these vital local projects under the Community Climate Action Programme, a landmark fund which is making €24 million available to climate action projects across Ireland, alongside a €3 million contribution from the government’s Shared Island Fund.”

“Communities and Local Authorities know best the climate actions that work for their area and can deliver the most effective climate solutions on the ground. I look forward to seeing the transformative effect these projects will have not only in tackling climate change, but in making our cities, towns and villages better places to live and work,” added the Minister.

On this occasion, the Cathaoirleach was represented by Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh, Leas-Chathaoirleach.  According to Councillor Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council “The projects funded under this scheme will help local groups take positive climate actions and be climate leaders within their communities. These projects will go towards inspiring others to take similar actions. The level of interest shown in the Fund is testament to the community-led sustainability efforts that are ongoing throughout County Donegal.”

John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council commented, “the projects funded through this programme are directly aligned with Donegal County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. The Plan sets out how Donegal County Council will take climate action across the organisation, but also how we are taking a broader leadership role in the county by supporting local communities, businesses and other stakeholders to take climate action.  This programme enables local, place-based climate action based on a strong foundation of local authority support. I am greatly encouraged by the strong uptake here in Donegal and look forward to the positive climate action benefits it will bring to our communities”.

Michael McGarvey, Director of Services at Donegal County Council stated, that the vision for Donegal County Council’s Climate Action Plan is that Donegal will be climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and carbon neutral by the end of 2050. Communities across the County are leading by example when it comes to implementing projects that can support this vision and the fund has enabled positive climate actions to take place over the next 18 months.

“The Community Climate Action Fund supports community groups in Donegal to put in place tangible climate action projects in their own communities”, explained Fiona Kelly, Community Climate Action Officer for Donegal County Council. “These projects will improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and enhance biodiversity. The breadth and quality of the projects selected for funding is indicative of the real and positive difference communities across County Donegal are making to tackle climate change.”