Local community groups to benefit from climate action funding

A total of 25 community groups in Meath will share €811,000 in funding for local climate action projects across the county.

Meath County Council, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, announced the allocation of €811,000 under the Community Climate Action Programme today.

The Community Climate Action programme aims to support small and large, rural and urban communities to tackle climate action at a local level and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities.

The successful Meath projects range from LED Lighting upgrades, to the installation of solar panels, retro-fitting of buildings with insulations, bike racks, water refill stations and water butts and community gardens and composting systems.

Speaking about the successful projects, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Sharon Tolan said: “These projects link with Meath County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 in achieving collaboration and commitment, in the delivery of local climate actions, with the shared vision of a climate resilient, biodiverse rich and environmentally sustainable Meath. Together, we are making strides towards a more sustainable future. I look forward to seeing these exciting projects come to fruition and to witnessing the positive changes they will bring to our communities.”

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.”

Meath County Council Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe added: “The allocation of €811,000 in funding to local community groups in Meath as part of the Community Climate Action Programme is a testament to the strong and beneficial work being undertaken by our many vibrant and active community groups. I am delighted that 25 community groups across Meath have been successful, and their projects will ensure these communities are champions to achieving climate action within Meath. The funding also emphasises Meath County Council’s continued commitment to empowering local communities to take action to live, work and play more sustainably in finding local solutions to global problems, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, saving energy and reducing waste. We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to support the provision of targeted climate action funding for our community groups.”

The recipients of the small scale grants are: Moynalty Community Council; Ratoath Athletics Club; Castle Villa AFC; Walterstown GFC; Fr Murphy’s Athletics Club, Athboy; Syddan GFC; Wilkinstown Community Centre; Silverlawn Residents Association; Cortown GAA Club; Moynalty Tidy Towns; Meadowbank Hill Residents Association.

Medium Scale recipients include: St Vincent’s GFC; Bective GFC; Dunboyne GAA; Drumree; Bohermeen Community Centre; Summerhill Community Centre; Athboy Celtic AFC; Skyrne GFC; Kilmessan Hurling Club; Boardsmill GAA.

Large scale awards go to: Drewstown House; Athboy Development Forum; Trim Family Resource Centre; Dunshaughlin Community Centre CLG.