Almost €0.5m available to Laois community groups under climate action programme
Kathleen OConnor and Garry Luttrell from Abbeyleix Vitality Hub; Karen Moore, Community Climate Action Officer, LCC; Suzanne Dempsey, Climate Action Coordinator LCC; Marie Thompson, Mark Clancy and Mary Egan from Abbeyleix Vitality Hub at Abbeyleix Vitality Hub for the launch of the Community Action Programme (Fund for Community Groups in Laois). Photos: Alf Harvey
THE next phase of the Community Climate Action Programme fund was launched by Laois Co Council on Thursday 23 October at Abbeyleix Vitality Hub.
It opens a fund of €465,000 to applications from Laois community groups with plans to take positive climate action in their locality.
Projects must address community energy, sustainable travel, food and waste, circular economy projects or biodiversity. Successful applicants will receive 100% funding to deliver their projects within an 18-month timeframe.
The launch was attended by 37 community group members and leaders representing 28 groups from all over Laois.
They heard from Abbeyleix Park Development Committee (APDC), who were among the 16 groups in Laois awarded funding in 2024 under the first phase of funding.
“Our club has seen enormous benefits from this fund, including more cycling to the park and energy savings with smart controls and solar energy,” said Mark Clancy, a committee member of APDC, who managed their climate action project.
Community groups across the island have seen how small projects have reduced their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and transformed community spaces.
Karen Moore, community climate action officer with Laois Co Council, noted that groups can look to each other for information and inspiration: “For groups that are unsure as to how they can involve some of the project themes in their application, collaboration with other community groups in your area could be key.” Applications are now open online at Laois.ie and will close Monday, 8 December at 4.30pm.
