Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
143. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for details on how the Government envision community electricity generation projects to raise funds for the construction of such projects; if the Government have any plans to create green financing packages that will allow such projects to access funds to ensure such projects are financially viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7977/24]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 156 of 13 February 2024 which outlines the focus of supports, including financial supports, that my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provide to community renewable electricity projects.
Recognising the key role of community climate action in our transition to a climate neutral society, last month, I launched a fund of €27 million from the Climate Action Fund for local organisations working to build low carbon communities.
My Department has also provided a range of other significant funding options for communities and voluntary organisations to lead on climate action including:
• EU Just Transition Fund Programme (more details here: www.pobal.ie/programmes/eujtf-lecp-rep/)
• Community Climate Action Programme – Creative Climate Action Phase 2 (more details here: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/news/e5-8m-funding-announced-for-creative-cultural-and-artistic-initiatives-under-the-new-creative-climate-action-fund-ii/)
More broadly, Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out the suite of measures, including on sustainable finance, that Government is taking to support the transition to a climate neutral society.
