Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2020
31. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if individual farmers can apply to the Climate Action Fund under changes proposed in the climate action Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31969/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Fund was established on a statutory basis with effect from 1 August 2020.The main objective of the Fund is to provide support for initiatives that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets in a cost effective manner and which, in the absence of support from the Fund, would not otherwise be developed. The Climate Action Fund will be resourced from proceeds from the levy paid to the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) in respect of relevant disposals of petroleum products, after the funding requirements of NORA have been met. In the region of €500 million is expected to accrue to the Climate Action Fund to 2027. This will ensure that substantial funding is available to progress a series of funding calls.
The recently published Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, 2020 proposes that projects and initiatives that seek to increase climate resilience, and the removal of greenhouse gas, particularly through nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity, can also be supported by the Climate Action Fund. Funding calls addressing these types of projects and initiatives may be of particular interest to the agricultural sector. The scope and eligibility criteria of any such calls, which are yet to be determined, would inform who may apply for funding.
The Deputy may also wish to note that preparations are underway to launch a second call for applications for support from the Climate Action Fund in December of this year.
