Second phase of community climate action programme commences in Offaly
Offaly County Council has been allocated a further €444,000 under the Community Climate Action Programme Strand 1
OFFALY County Council is delighted to welcome the announcement by the Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment Darragh O’Brien TD, of the opening of phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme which is being made available to community groups interested in developing projects and initiatives which relate to the challenge of addressing climate change.
Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney confirmed that Offaly County Council has been allocated a further €444,000 under the Community Climate Action Programme Strand 1 - Building Low Carbon Communities to work in partnership with communities, small and large, rural, and urban, within County Offaly to build low carbon communities in a considered and structured way. Phase 2 is following on from phase 1 of the programme where 19 groups/organisations in Offaly were awarded funding for projects that included a community garden, installing solar panels, a bog restoration project and lighting upgrades to name a few.
Speaking at the launch of the Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme, Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy outlined “Great change begins with brave action. Climate action funding has already empowered communities to restore ecosystems, reduce emissions, and build resilient futures across 19 projects in Offaly. Your project could be the next success story—apply now and be part of the solution.”
Community groups are advised to take note of the 5 themes covered by the grant and applications should address a minimum of one of these themes. Applications which include more than one theme are recommended. The themes are Energy, Travel, Food and Waste, Shopping and Recycling and Local climate and environmental action and any other innovative project that is possible to replicate in other communities.
Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney confirmed that “Offaly’s celebrated history of innovation and advancement has ensured we are a community that adapts and addresses new challenges. Phase 1 grantees ensured that we address these challenges by taking climate action. Phase 2 of the Programme is now available – submissions should focus on how your community initiative can lead to sustainable change. I would encourage all communities to apply for this funding.”
Director of Services, Paul McLoughlin further added “our dedicated Climate Action Team continue to deliver on our ambitious 5-year Climate Action Plan for Offaly. Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action programme supports our objective of empowering local communities to take the lead in shaping a greener, more resilient future, turning climate ambition into local action. But we cannot do it without the help of local groups – join with us on our Climate Action journey”.
Community Climate Action Officer, Sinead McEvoy outlined “applications for Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme will be made through offaly.ie and the application portal will open for an 8-week period between 23rd October to the 18th December, 2025”
For more information on the Community Climate Action Programme, please visit https://www.offaly.ie/climate-action/