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Climate Action Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019

Tuesday, 5 November 2019

Questions (828, 850)

Robert Troy

Question:

828. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the provision of a grant for local authorities towards the replacement of street lighting with energy efficient LED bulbs; and the status of an application by Westmeath County Council. [44296/19]

View answer

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

850. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the operation of the climate action fund; the date for the opening of the 2019 application process for the fund; the details of the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44547/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 828 and 850 together.

The Climate Action Fund is one of four funds established under the National Development Plan 2018-2027 as part of Project Ireland 2040. The fund supports initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland's climate and energy targets in a cost effective manner. It also offers the potential for innovative interventions which, in the absence of support from the fund, would not otherwise be developed.

Following the first call for applications, I announced the seven successful projects which will receive up to €77 million in support. Funding was allocated following a competitive process with public and private sector organisations eligible to apply.

The project validation process (which includes detailed due diligence) is on-going for six projects. The ESB ecars project has successfully completed the validation process and commenced delivery. The Local Authority Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project is one of projects which is currently in the validation process. The Roads Management Office is the lead applicant for the project and Westmeath Count Council is one of the project partners.

The majority of funding for the Climate Action Fund will be provided by excess income from the petroleum products levy collected by the National Oil Reserves Agency. The legislation to enable this funding to be provided is currently being developed.

The Climate Action Plan sets out that the next round of the Climate Action Fund will commence by the end of this year.

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