Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

57. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the funding from the Climate Action Fund will be made available in 2021 including for the community climate action programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49915/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Climate Action Fund was established on a statutory basis in 2020.  A key objective of the Fund is to provide support for projects, initiatives and research that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets; and that increase climate resilience and GHG removals in the State, including for projects and initiatives in regions of the State, and within sectors of the economy, impacted by the transition to a low carbon economy. Support may also be provided for certain nature-based projects that enhance biodiversity and which also contribute to climate action. I launched the Climate Action Fund - EU LIFE Programme 2021 Co-financing Grant Scheme on 27 September 2021. Under the scheme, I propose to make funding available to provide support, by way of co-financing, for Standard Action Projects, which are successful in securing funding under the EU LIFE Programme 2021, and which meet criteria for funding from the Climate Action Fund following a competitive evaluation process.  Applications are invited until 15 October 2021.  Further information is available on my Department’s website.

Earlier this year, I also allocated funding for Creative Climate Action, a competitive fund of up to €2 million supported by the Climate Action Fund and the Creative Ireland Programme. From a total of 166 applications, 14 creative and cultural projects were selected for funding in July 2021. These projects aim to address a range of climate matters including in relation to the themes put forward in the recent climate conversations, sustainable farming, energy efficiency, GHG reduction and sustainable consumption. Further information is available at www.creativeireland.gov.ie.

The Community Climate Action Programme, which will support local authorities and communities to step up climate action in their areas, is currently being finalised for launch before the end of the year. The Programme will focus on both capacity building within communities to contribute to the climate challenge and the development of community climate action projects.