Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD has announced a new €27 million funding package under the Climate Action Fund (CAF) to support local authorities in building low-carbon communities nationwide. The funding, launched on 29 October 2025, marks the beginning of Phase 2 of Strand 1 of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP).
This initiative follows the success of Phase 1, which allocated €24 million to over 650 community-led climate projects across Ireland. The new phase will enable local authorities to partner directly with community groups to deliver projects aligned with Ireland’s national climate and energy targets.
Eligible projects will focus on five key themes:
- Community energy
- Travel and mobility
- Food and waste
- Shopping and recycling
- Local climate and environmental action
Minister O’Brien emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement:
“Taking climate action is a global challenge, but our local communities across Ireland are at the heart of the effort. With the launch of the new phase of CCAP, local authorities can continue empowering community groups to take practical steps that build vibrant, low-carbon, and resilient communities for generations to come.”
The programme is administered by Community Climate Action Officers (CCAOs) within local authorities, who serve as key resources for guiding and supporting community groups.
Funding allocations range from €300,000 for Leitrim to €1.938 million for Dublin City, with substantial support also directed to counties such as Cork (€2.1 million combined), Fingal (€1.127 million), and South Dublin (€1.073 million).
The CCAP is part of Ireland’s broader climate strategy to decarbonize at the local level, promote sustainable living, and foster community resilience. Interested groups are encouraged to contact their local CCAO, with details available on the Department’s website.
Minister-for-Transport-Darragh-OBrien-Picture-by-AirNav-Ireland
Sources: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; gov.ie.
