Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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186. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the next call for applications will be open for the climate action fund as part of the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Act 2020; if it will be open to projects based on nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity; the application process; the persons or bodies that can apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38113/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action Fund was established on a statutory basis with effect from 1 August 2020. A key objective of the Fund is to provide support for  projects and initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets, and for projects and initiatives in regions of the State, and within sectors of the economy, impacted by the transition to a low carbon economy. The Climate Action Fund is resourced from proceeds from the levy paid to the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) in respect of relevant disposals of petroleum products, after the funding requirements of NORA have been met. In the region of €500 million is expected to accrue to the Climate Action Fund to 2027. This will ensure that substantial funding is available to progress a series of funding calls.  

The recently published Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, 2020 proposes that projects and initiatives that seek to increase climate resilience, and the removal of greenhouse gas, particularly nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity, can also be supported by the Climate Action Fund.

My Department is currently developing proposals to provide a second round of support from the Climate Action Fund which will be launched shortly. Further information, including details on the type of projects that may be supported,  who may apply for this support and the application process, will be published on my Department’s website when this call is launched.