Galway County Council has announced details of a new funding scheme for community climate action and not-for-profit organisations interested in developing projects and initiatives focusing on addressing 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 funding will support small (up to €20,000), medium (€21,000-€50,000), and large-scale (€51,000-€100,000) community climate action projects in five key theme areas, namely community energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, and local climate and environmental action.
Welcoming the opening of the funding scheme, Councillor 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.”
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, saying, “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.”
Eileen Ruane, Director of Services at Galway County Council acknowledged the existing commitment and strength of community involvement in the county, saying, “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).”
Staff from the Environment section of Galway County Council will host information events at various locations throughout the county over the coming weeks at which they will address queries from communities and not-for-profit organisations on the Community Climate Action Fund.
Tina Ryan, Climate Action Coordinator for Galway County Council, said, “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. 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.”
Copies of the draft Plan and accompanying environmental reports can be inspected at Galway Public Libraries and Áras an Chontae and online at https://www.galway.ie/ClimateAction
