Climate fund of €465k for Laois community groups
Karen Moore, Laois Co Council and Gary Luttrell, Abbeyleix Vitality Hub at the CCAP launch in county hall. Photo: Denis Byrne
COMMUNITY groups in Laois could get a slice of a €465,000 county fund, which is available through the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP).
Phase two of the fund will open for applications on Monday 20 October, with an open invite to community group members and leaders to attend an information event on Thursday 23 October.
The event in Abbeyleix Vitality Hub, from 6.30pm – 8.30pm, will be hosted by Laois Co Council’s community climate action officer Karen Moore.
People will hear from groups that were successful in phase one of the CCAP fund, giving them a chance to be inspired with worked examples of project ideas and undertake an application form workshop.
The fund aims to foster the development of sustainable low-carbon communities, by awarding capital funding for climate action projects to community groups and move the county closer to its climate and energy goals.
Karen said: “Community action is so important in steering Laois towards sustainability. This funding enables groups to spearhead climate-focused projects within their communities and makes a tangible impact at local level.”
Abbeyleix Park Development Committee (APDC), which was among 16 Laois groups awarded funding under phase one last year, will showcase its climate action projects at the launch.
APDC committee member Mark Clancy said: “The club has seen enormous benefits from the fund, including an increase in cycling to the Park and energy savings with smart controls and solar energy.
“An added benefit, apart from using renewable energy, is that we are in direct control of our usage and can avail of off-peak rates. We are moving towards better waste management and in a better position to increase active travel to the Park.”
Successful applicants will receive 100% funding to deliver their projects within an 18-month timeframe. The fund invites project proposals addressing five themes, involving community energy, sustainable travel, food and waste, circular economy initiatives and local climate and environmental actions.
This diversity of themes encourages a rounded approach to climate change including reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and less use of non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels and plastic.
Invitations to the information event are available by emailing kmoore@laoiscoco.ie. Applications open online at Laois.ie on Monday 20 October and will close on 8 December.
