Cork City Council’s €1m fund for climate action projects launched

By Peter McCarthy, Corkman

Community groups in Cork city are being urged to apply for a near €1m fund that supports climate and biodiversity projects in the community such as solar PV installation and tree planting.

The Community Climate Action Programme Fund is managed by Cork City Council and supported by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. A total of €860,000 is on offer to support community-led climate projects with successful projects able to receive up to €100,000.

The first round of funding helped 27 community groups invest €860,000 in projects that helped reduce energy bills, cut emissions and enhance biodiversity across the city.

Among the groups funded in the first round were St Finbarr’s GAA Club, which received €100,000 for lighting upgrades, solar PV panels, cavity wall installation, and new doors and windows, while Na Piarsaigh GAA Club was allocated €76,340 to fund LED lighting upgrades.

Other beneficiaries included Aras Leon and Bishopstown Lions Club, the Railway Park Community Group, Sunday’s Well RFC, and the Shandon Area Renewal Association.

Last year’s funding round also led to partnerships such as the collaboration between St Vincent’s GAA Club and Green Spaces for Health, which resulted in 120 trees from local community nurseries being planted on the club’s grounds.

The programme’s second funding round opens for applications on Cork City Council’s website on October 28.

All projects must be aimed at reducing carbon emissions and building climate resilience. Examples of projects that can be considered include energy efficiency upgrades, solar PV installations, composting, community gardens, green walls, and tree planting.

“Addressing climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but it is also one of our greatest opportunities. Through this fund we can support initiatives that improve our quality of life, strengthen our communities, and create a city that works for everyone,” the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said.

“These community-driven projects are already delivering real benefits; reducing greenhouse gas emissions, restoring biodiversity, and helping communities adapt.”

Cork City Council Chief Executive, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the fund enables tangible climate action to take place in the heart of communities. “Climate action isn’t just a nice-to-have option but a real way to reduce operational costs, future-proofing community facilities throughout the city,” she said.