Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
188. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding applications for the Climate Action Fund for large-scale projects of between €1 million and €1.5 million; when applications will be open for businesses in 2022; if the criteria for the scheme have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5928/22]
View answerAt least €500 million will be available from the Climate Action Fund over the period to 2027 to support projects, initiatives and research that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets and goals. In addition, the Government will make major investments through substantial other funding, set out in the National Development Plan.
To date, just over €140 million has been committed from the Climate Action Fund for a range of projects, including in relation to district heating, EV infrastructure, creative climate action, co-financing for EU LIFE projects, and a Community Climate Action Programme. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, announced in November 2021, €60 million will be invested in community climate action projects and initiatives, as well as capacity building, over the next three years.
As a next step, an open call will be developed for launch in 2022 aimed at providing funding for further projects aligned with the direction of travel of the Government's Climate Action Plan 2021. Work on the development of this call will commence shortly. Details on the scope of the call and eligibility criteria will be available on my Department's website in due course.
