Community Climate Action Programme

The Community Climate Action Programme aims to support small and large communities to take climate action.

 

The Community Climate Action Programme aims to support small and large communities to take climate action. The overall objective of the programme is to empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities and to contribute to national climate and energy targets.

In conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Galway City Council, will assist in the scale up of community climate action. A new Community Climate Action Fund will be available to support relevant climate action projects across a number of themes.

There are two strands of funding available:

  • Strand 1: Building Low Carbon Communities focuses on direct climate action in Galway City.
  • Strand 1a: Shared Island Community Climate Action enables communities and Local Authorities to carry out a cross-border project in partnership with organisations in Northern Ireland.

How will the Programme work?

Projects should seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, assist the transition to low carbon and sustainable economy and increase climate resilience. Funding will be allocated to community organisations based on an appraisal of Expression of Interest forms submitted to Galway City Council and approval of the Minister.

Projects should address at least one, preferably several of the following themes:

Theme 1: Community and energy

Many Irish buildings have very low energy ratings and high running costs, mainly due to heat loss. How we build, heat and run our buildings can play a big part in reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Heat loss accounts for 10% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. We can make our buildings more energy efficient by retrofitting them (e.g. insulation), switching off and using low energy lights/ appliances, and using smart controls.:

 Projects of interest under this theme would reduce the climate impact of buildings in communities by using less energy, utilising renewable energy and avoiding heat loss.

Project examples include but are not limited to:

  • small community renewable energy projects (solar, hydro, wind)
  • retrofitting community buildings
  • LED community lighting • community EV charging point(s)

 

Theme 2: Travel

Transport accounts for approximately 20% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Changing our means of travel is not simple and is often dictated by previous planning and housing choices, particularly in rural communities. How we travel is one of the main areas where behaviour change can have a rapid and real impact on achieving our climate goals

Projects of interest under this theme would contribute to a reduction in travel related emissions. Project examples include but are not limited to:

  • reduction in carbon footprint in services
  • improving access to cycle/ walkways
  • cycle parking
  • community EV charging point(s)

 

Theme 3: Food and waste

Growing, processing and transporting food requires large amounts of energy and materials. It is estimated that one third of the food we grow is wasted and accounts for 10% of global emissions. There is a national commitment to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. While being mindful that different situations such as the culture, religion, health, abilities and tastes can affect the decisions individual people can make; at a systems, community and lifestyle level there are opportunities to connect and engage people in action on food, waste and climate change.

Projects of interest under this theme would reduce food waste. Project examples include but are not limited to:

  • community gardens
  • allotments
  • food markets
  • repair hubs
  • community composting facilities
  • community fridge

 

Theme 4: Shopping and Recycling

What we buy has a major contribution to emissions in terms of how they are made, transported, used, reused and recycled. If we keep on using resources as we do now, by 2050 we would need the resources of three Earths to satisfy demand. Ireland is moving towards creating a circular economy - making products that last longer, can be repurposed, reused and eventually recycled more easily. One of our climate goals is to increase the amount of waste that is recycled and to make all packaging reusable or recyclable by 2030. As shoppers we have the power to influence. People are changing their shopping habits by buying products that last longer or repurposing items, planning what they will do with things when they are finished using them, recycling as much as possible, actively segregating their waste for collection and using recycling centres and services near to them.

Project examples include but are not limited to:

  • community repair hubs
  • swap shops
  • toy/ sport reusable kits
  • water filling stations
  • single use plastics elimination in the community

 

Theme 5: Local Climate and Environmental action

Ireland has an abundance of natural resources, from our bogs and forests to our rivers and oceans. These natural resources need to be protected from climate change, and in return, they will help us by absorbing carbon, reducing the risk of flooding, increasing plants and wildlife (biodiversity) , and acting as places for us all to reconnect with nature. Community action can take many forms from simple clean-ups to community schemes, to making plans to adapt to the changes already happening.

Projects of interest under this theme would take a holistic approach to managing the local environment, including in relation to climate action. Project examples include but are not limited to: • mini forests

  • forest schools
  • dispersed orchards
  • community gardens
  • roof gardens
  • pollinator projects
  • water harvesting
  • climate resilience projects
  • wetland conservation

Who can apply?

Eligible community organisations must:

  • be a not-for-profit organisation.
  • be located within Galway City.
  • submit a completed application form on or before the specified closing date and time.
  • be registered with Galway City Community Network www. galwaycitycommunitynetwork.ie    or connected with other collectives such as the Wheel, Tidy Towns and /or a community group with Articles of Association or a Constitution, which hold an AGM, and for which approved minutes are available.

What funding is available?

Up to 100% funding may be provided for eligible costs and there are three project scales:

  • Small scale projects up to €20,000
  • Medium scale projects €20,000 to €50,000
  • Large scale projects €51,000 to €100,000

How does a community group apply?