Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
968. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding is available for community-led projects engaging in climate action and protecting biodiversity at a local level; the available schemes for community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4075/20]
View answerMy Department supports a range of environmental policies, programmes and initiatives on an annual basis.
Funding provided from the Environment Fund includes support for initiatives in the areas of climate action, waste prevention and enforcement, sustainable development, and environmental awareness. As part of this, it provides support to Green Schools, environmental NGOs and the Community Environment Action Fund.
The Community Environment Action Fund provides a successful model to promote sustainable development at local level. The projects funded involve partnership arrangements between local authorities and various local groups including community groups, schools and environmental NGOs. Eligible projects are those which support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on waste, biodiversity, climate action, air quality, water and sustainable development.
Further details on the Community Environment Action Fund and the projects funded may be found at the following link:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/environmental-protection-and-awareness/local-agenda-21-partnership-fund/Pages/default.aspx
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. An exercise is currently underway which will inform future decisions on the funding of local community-led projects from the Climate Action Fund. Further information on the Fund is available at
https://www.dccae.ie/en-ie/climate-action/topics/climate-action-fund/Pages/default.aspx
Community-led local groups working on climate action projects can also seek funding from the SEAI Better Energy Communities Programme, although application intake for 2020 is now closed. This Programme supports energy efficiency community projects through capital funding, partnerships, and technical support. Communities can also join the Sustainable Energy Community network offering support to community movements seeking to improve their energy use. Further information is available at www.seai.ie
