Donegal County Council allocated funding for 25 climate action projects
Donegal County Council has been allocated l €772,250 for 25 local projects under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme.
The announcement forms part of the government’s investment in community-led climate action through the Climate Action Fund (CAF), with over €26.9 million being made available to Local Authorities.
The funding was announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien, who said: “Communities across Ireland are leading the way in climate action, delivering practical projects that reduce emissions, strengthen local resilience and improve quality of life.
“I am delighted to announce the successful projects under this latest phase of the Community Climate Action Programme, and to provide a further €2.6 million to ensure even more of these ambitious community projects can move forward.
“This programme empowers communities to take meaningful local action on climate change, while also contributing to our national climate and energy goals. The scale of interest and quality of applications received demonstrates the commitment of communities nationwide to building a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
The Donegal funding will be allocated as follows: Spraoi agus Sport, €75,000; Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise CLG, €85,000; Dungloe Amateur Boxing Club, €85,000; Cill Ulta, €80,000; Naomh Conaill GAA Club, €73,250 and Creative Park, €32,500.
Medium projects including Naomh Padraig Leifear CLG, €29,000; Forbairt Fhánada CTR, €33,000; Donegal Family Resource Centre CLG, €34,000; Glenswilly GAA Club, €36,000; Ray Community Group, €23,000; Rockfield Community Co-Op, €24,000; Na Cealla Beaga GAA, €50,000 and Grúpa Chósta Fhánada, €35,000.
Ceolan Community Group, €15,000; Gweedore Celtic FC, €16,000; Inishowen Rugby Club, €17,000; Barrack Hill Town Park, €4,000; Wild Inishowen, €5,000; Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair Teo, €4,500; Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre, €5,000; Carndonagh Traders Association, €7,000; Forbairt na Rosann, €10,000; Rathmullan The Way Forward, €10,000 and Finn Valley Family Resource Centre CLG, €16,000.
"When we reduce energy bills for a community centre using solar panels or install EV charging points at a local GAA pitch, we aren't just cutting emissions - we are reducing running costs for volunteers and making Donegal a more vibrant, resilient place to live,” Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue added. “This funding will allow clubs and organisations to scale up the excellent work they have to date. Well done to the successful projects and I look forward to Donegal County Council working with the clubs and groups to deliver these projects.”
The funding will support projects including Solar PV panels and battery storage for sports clubs and community facilities, Energy-efficiency upgrades including insulation, heat pumps, LED lighting and renewable heating systems, biodiversity measures such as native tree planting, wetland development and coastal protection, community gardens, composting initiatives and food sustainability projects, sustainable travel measures including bike shelters, repair stations, EV charging points and water refill stations.
“This is a major boost for communities right across Donegal and a strong endorsement of the outstanding work being carried out by local organisations, sports clubs, community groups and voluntary bodies,” Donegal Fianna Fáil TD Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher said. “The projects being supported will deliver real and lasting benefits for local communities, from solar energy systems and insulation upgrades to biodiversity initiatives, community gardens, water refill stations, cycling infrastructure and coastal protection works. Donegal communities continue to lead by example when it comes to practical climate action, and this funding will help groups strengthen facilities, reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and enhance local environments for future generations.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme