Galway County Council has announced details of a new funding scheme for community groups and non-profits to address climate change.
€762,000 is being made available through the new Community Climate Action Fund to support communities in actively participating in building a more sustainable future.
The scheme will provide three tiers of grant funding; small (up to €20,000), medium (€21,000-€50,000), and large (€51,000-€100,000), for climate action projects.
In order to be eligible for this funding, the projects must address one or more of five key theme areas, namely community energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, and local climate and environmental action.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council emphasised the importance of community involvement in realising the vision set out in the draft Local Authority Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.
“This fund provides a unique opportunity for communities to lead by example. Together, we can implement projects that can support our journey to a climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich and sustainable economy.”
The Community Climate Action Fund opened to applications this week and coincides with a series of public and online information events, workshops and webinars.
Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “This new fund underscores our dedication to collaborative, community-led sustainability efforts. By empowering our communities, we will cultivate a stronger, more resilient County Galway”.
Eileen Ruane, Director of Services at Galway County Council acknowledged the existing commitment and strength of community involvement in the county.
She continued, “This fund builds upon the remarkable dedication we have witnessed from our community in the areas of climate action and sustainability.
“We look forward to continuing our work with communities through the strong Galway County Public Participation Network (PPN)”.
The County Council will host information events at various locations throughout the county over the coming weeks where they will address queries from communities and not-for-profit organisations on the Community Climate Action Fund.
These will commence at An Crompán in An Cheathrú Rua this Thursday from 2pm to 4pm and at Glinsk Community Centre on Saturday from 11am to 1pm.
An Online Climate Action Fund Webinar takes place on December 11 from 7-8:30pm with registrations invited in advance (https://t.ly/NOcE8),
In addition, a one-day workshop on the fund themes will be held at Claregalway Hotel on January 13.
“Potential applicants are welcome to join us at one of the upcoming public information events where they will learn more, ask questions, and be part of the change,” explained Tina Ryan, Climate Action Coordinator for Galway County Council.
Ms. Ryan has also reminded the public that the public consultation period for the draft Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 closes on December 11.
“Earlier this year, Galway County Council invited input from the public to co-create our draft plan which includes actions that will facilitate and enable effective climate action at a local and community level. We would urge the public to play their part in formulating this new plan,” she added.
Copies of the draft Plan and accompanying environmental reports can be inspected at Galway Public Libraries and Áras an Chontae and online through the council website.
The closing date for applications to the Community Climate Action Fund is February 29th, 2024.
Further information is available online or from Denise Feeney, Community Climate Action Officer, Galway County Council (climateactionfund@galwaycoco.ie / 091 509302.)
