€500,000 funding announced for climate action programme
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Darragh O’Brien has announced €500,000-worth of grants nationally under the Climate Actions Work Engagement fund.
The grants will range from €2,500-€10,000, and will be distributed to 96 community groups and organisations across 23 counties.
It is estimated that 30,000 people will benefit from the activities generated through this fund, with the support of over 2,000 volunteers.
The funding will support groups or organisations working to bring people together and share information on climate action.
The fund is focused on climate engagement, awareness and communications - helping communities to reach new audiences in their locality.
According to the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the fund is a "core component" of the Climate Actions Work programme.
It said that the fund is intended to provide support to promote the work already being done through the programme.
The fund will also provide opportunities for community groups to promote their work and spread the message of community-led action.
Minister O'Brien said he is "very pleased to showcase the great work going on across Ireland".
He said: "Our local communities are delivering great work on climate action, much of which often goes unseen. This funding will help groups in those communities raise awareness of that work and bring the climate action message to a wider audience.
"From workshops to events to content creation, this fund is really targeted at storytelling – helping people to tell their stories about climate action."
Also speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon said: "Climate change affects different communities in different ways. The impacts we feel in the west of Ireland are different to those in Dublin or the midlands.
"This fund helps to shine a light on specific local responses to climate change.
"From developing engaging social media content to supporting local environmental collectives, this funding will provide valuable assistance to promote the work of community groups, many of whom are working tirelessly on a voluntary basis."
"I commend their work and welcome this opportunity to showcase and celebrate it," he added.
