Cork communities set to share in €1m climate action funding package

More than 30 community-led climate action projects in Cork are set to benefit from over €1m in funding.

Cork County Council announced that the 31 approved projects will benefit from funding totalling €1,000,265 under the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP).

Among the projects benefitting from the fund are a pilot food waste collection scheme on a West Cork island, new bike racks made from recycled wind turbine blades in North Cork, and the installation of solar PV panels on community buildings across the county.

The new CCAP has been developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to address climate change at the local level.

“It is really positive to see such a wide selection and range of projects from across all corners of Cork county receiving substantial funding,” Mayor of Cork County, Joe Carroll, said. 

“It is a testament to the strong and beneficial work being undertaken by our many vibrant and active community groups.”

Vital

Environment, Climate and Communications Minister Eamon Ryan said: “I am delighted to support these vital local projects under the Community Climate Action Programme, a landmark fund which is making €24m available to climate action projects across Ireland, alongside a €3m 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.”

Cork County Council chief executive Moira Murrell said the allocation of over €1m in funding to groups in Cork “emphasises Cork County Council’s continued and enduring commitment to empowering local communities to take action”.

“It is encouraging to see the range of community-led climate action projects being delivered in our county, and we look forward to continuing to work with the department to support the provision of targeted climate action funding for our community groups,” she said.” 

The list of projects approved for funding under Strand 1 of the CCAP are available to view at  https://www.corkcoco.ie.