Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
172. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when funding for smaller scale projects at local authority level will be provided as part of the Climate Action Fund; when the last round of funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21678/21]
View answerMy Department is currently developing proposals to provide further support from the Climate Action Fund through a community climate action programme. The design of this programme will be informed by feedback received through the climate consultation that is currently underway and, in particular, the conversations that are taking place at local level through the Public Participation Networks. The consultation is open until 18 May and analysis on the feedback from these conversations will help shape the community programme in terms of identifying where financial support is required, where capacity building is needed, and the types of projects and initiatives that are being considered at local level. Information on the types of projects that may be supported, who may apply for this support and the application process, will be published on my Department’s website when the programme is launched shortly.
In advance of the finalisation of this programme, Creative Ireland, in collaboration with my Department, has launched Creative Climate Action, a competitive fund of up to €2 million supported by the Climate Action Fund and the Creative Ireland Programme.The fund will support creative and cultural projects up to the end of 2022 which will connect people with the profound changes that are happening in our environment, society and economy arising from climate change, and can transform that connection into behaviour change or climate action. Two strands of funding are available:
- an open call – to organisations, NGOs, charities, enterprises, institutions and collectives/networks working with creative and cultural practitioners; and
- a closed call – to Local Authorities, either individually, with other Local Authorities or external partners.
Further information, including a briefing note and details on how to apply, are set out on the Creative Ireland website: www.creativeireland.gov.ie
