Funds Announced For Community Groups Across The County.

Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications have announced the allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the county.

Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications have announced the allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the county.

This funding will support projects aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change as part of the Community Climate Action Programme.

The main objective of this programme is to empower communities to take climate action and to foster the development of low-carbon, sustainable communities, contributing to national climate and energy targets.

The funded projects include initiatives such as the installation of renewable energy systems, the development of community gardens, installation of EV chargers, bike racks, water refill stations, composting facilities, lighting upgrades and rainwater harvesting systems.

The fund opened for applications on December 6, 2023, and closed on March 6, 2024. Community groups throughout the county were invited to apply under one or more of the following themes: Travel; Food & Waste; Shopping & Recycling; Community & Energy; Local Climate & Environmental Action.

A total of 40 applications were received from interested groups. Following a competitive selection process, 20 community groups were successful in this first round of funding, and they have now entered the delivery stage of their projects. Details of the funded projects can be found at this link under the Climate Action and Biodiversity section.

Another round of funding for the Community Climate Action Programme will be announced in the future. Wicklow County Council is currently awaiting updates from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, and details will be shared once confirmed