23/05/2026
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD this week, announced the successful projects that have been awarded funding under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme, alongside an additional €2.6 million in funding to support further high-quality projects from Local Authority reserve lists.
The newly announced and additional €2.6 million allocation will enable additional large projects, identified by Local Authorities through reserve lists, to proceed in the coming months.
Twenty-three community projects stretching from Bonmahon to Ballyduff, and from Tourin to Tramore, are set to receive more than €630,000 in funding to help communities tackle climate action at a local level.
The funding will support both small and large rural and urban communities in taking a holistic approach to sustainability and accelerating the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient communities.
Individual projects have been awarded funding ranging from €4,500 to €75,000 to provide the resources and support needed to deliver a wide range of climate action initiatives.
Under the programme, projects were required to address key themes including energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, and local climate and environmental action. Successful applications demonstrated a broad and integrated approach to sustainability rather than focusing on a single measure.
The funded initiatives include the upgrade of sports pitch lighting to LED systems, the installation of solar PV panels, the development of urban orchards and pollinator plantations, as well as biodiversity measures such as owl, bat and bird boxes and the introduction of a composting toilet.
One of the successful projects, KGK (Knockanore Glendine Kilwatermoy) Community Development Group received over €30,000 in funding for the refurbishment of a former HSE Clinic into a Community Social Centre. Funding will also be used to to improve the energy efficiency of the building which will include upgrading windows, internal and external doors, heating and LED upgrades. They will also install bike parking, setup a reuse schemes for books, toys and mores and will carry out a range of biodiversity measures on their grounds.
Monica Murphy, Secretary of KGK Community Development Group said, “This project will transform an unused building into a vibrant community hub, bringing people together in a welcoming and inclusive space. It is a climate action project which will foster a sense of belonging, and support local groups to thrive.”
Welcoming the funding, Susan Lee, Community Climate Action Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are delighted to see this increased level of funding and support being invested in community-led climate initiatives. Each of the successful groups has shown real commitment and ambition in delivering projects that will make a lasting and meaningful impact within their communities while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.”
Waterford PPN Waterford City & County Council
