Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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94. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is aware of the barriers that successful applicants face, in particular community groups, when accessing funds; the measures he is taking to address these barriers; if any successful applicants have failed to access funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27557/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) will see €60.5 million from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) invested in community climate action projects and initiatives, as well as capacity building, over a number of years. This Programme aims to support and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities in a coherent way. The Community Climate Action Programme has been developed under two strands addressing both direct climate action, and climate education and capacity building. An initial €30 million has been allocated from the CAF for the first phase for two strands. In parallel, the Government’s Shared Island Fund is providing €3 million for strand 1a of the Programme.

I am aware that barriers may arise for grantees of the CCAP funding, and I have ensured that supports are in place in order to assist those applying for the funds and successful grantees.

In order to assist those applying to Strand 1/1a, 31 Community Climate Action Officers (CCAOs) have been appointed by Local Authorities. The CCAOs are there to engage with community groups on potential projects, and assist them in their applications and throughout their projects, including helping them to access funding.

Pobal is available to support those who have applied for Strand 2 of the CCAP, as it is responsible for administering the programme on behalf of my Department.

My Department has received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to pre-pay up to a maximum of 25% of a project's approved allocation, as an advance payment, upon signing of agreements with their partner organisations.