‘A greener, more resilient Louth’ is possible with launch of new Community Climate Action funding

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A range of opportunities to create a “greener, more resilient Louth” are now on offer with applications for funding of up to €100,000 under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme.

Louth County Council announced, with support from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, that it is now inviting applications for funding, which could be as much as €100,000 per project.

The programme is aimed at empowering community groups and not-for-profit organisations across the county to deliver impactful local climate action projects.

Eligible groups and organisations include Tidy Towns, residents’ groups, voluntary groups, social enterprises, sports clubs and community run centres and they must be registered with the Louth Public Participation Network (PPN).

Projects must align with one or more of five themes including: Community Energy – Improving energy efficiency in community buildings and supporting small-scale renewable energy projects; Travel – Promoting sustainable transport options and reducing car dependency; Food and Waste – Supporting community food growing and waste reduction initiatives; Shopping and Recycling Encouraging circular economy practices and; Local Climate and Environmental Action – Enhancing biodiversity and building climate resilience.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council encouraged community groups to apply, saying: “Across Louth, community groups are already playing a vital role in driving local climate action—from improving energy efficiency to promoting sustainable transport and biodiversity. This funding offers a real opportunity to support and build on that great work. I strongly encourage all eligible groups to apply and continue leading the way toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient county.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added: “Sustainability is a core value that underpins all our work at Louth County Council. We not only lead by example in implementing climate initiatives, but also actively support and empower communities to act themselves through initiatives like the Community Climate Action Programme. We’ve already seen the positive impact of this programme across the county, and this next phase will enable even more groups to contribute to a greener, more resilient Louth.”

Previous recipients include Drogheda Town FC and Cooley Kickhams GFC, who successfully delivered climate-focused upgrades through Phase 1 of the programme.

Gregory Doran of Drogheda Town FC shared: "We were absolutely delighted to receive funding for LED floodlighting to support our climate action campaign."

Kevin Smyth of Cooley Kickhams GFC added: "Thanks to the Community Climate Action Fund, we were able to install solar panels on our clubhouse—an upgrade that will reduce both our energy costs and environmental footprint."

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, 23rd December. Late applications will not be accepted. Community groups interested in applying for funding are encouraged to visit consult.louthcoco.ie or email climateaction@louthcoco.ie for further information.