Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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59. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the climate action fund to be paid out over the next decade; and the type of projects this will fund. [37627/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Climate Action Fund is one of four funds established under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040.

My Department has responsibility for implementing the fund, which will have an allocation of at least €500 million over the period to 2027. This will be financed primarily though repurposing part of the existing petroleum products levy (also know as the NORA levy). This levy is collected by the National Oil Reserves Agency from fuel suppliers at a rate of 2 cents per litre.

The fund will support initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland's climate and energy targets.  The focus of the Fund is to support a projects that, in the absence of support from the Fund, would not otherwise be developed.  This will include projects that demonstrate innovation and capacity building. 

I announced the first Call for Applications under the Fund, which is open to applications from the public and private sector, on 9 July 2018. This Call for Applications will provide grant funding to larger scale projects – seeking total support in excess of €1m – that are scheduled to commence development in 2019 or 2020.

Some examples of the types of projects that may be supported under the current funding round include:

- Renewable energy projects;

- Energy efficiency projects;

- District heating projects;

- Local infrastructure projects (including electric vehicle charging networks); and

- Projects that enhance the standards of environmental protection.

The deadline for applications under this Call for Applications is 1 October 2018. 

As the fund develops, further calls will be made.  This may include calls that focus on specific sectors such as electricity, transport, heat or agriculture or specific areas such as capacity building, innovation or community participation.

Further information on the Climate Action Fund including full details on how to apply under the first Call for Applications can be found on my Department’s website.