Nearly €1 Million in Climate Funding for Cork City Communities
Nearly €1 million in Community Climate Action Programme funding has been announced for 29 Cork City community groups for local climate projects.
Cork City communities are set to benefit from nearly €1 million in funding to carry out local climate action projects, following an announcement by the Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment.
Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment Darragh O'Brien announced the investment as part of a national Community Climate Action Programme. Due to the strength of applications received, the Minister also confirmed an additional €2.6 million to be allocated nationally, with Cork City receiving almost €100,000 more than originally expected.
Cork City Council received 67 applications from community groups, representing €3.4 million worth of proposed projects. Of those, 29 were successful. A further €1.2 million worth of projects were deemed of sufficient quality to receive funding should additional resources become available.
Among the beneficiaries is the Niche Health Project in Knocknaheeny, which will use its allocation to upgrade its community garden with a biodigester, hot composter, and solar panels.
Jane O'Flynn, Executive Director of the Niche Health Project, said:
"Spaces like our community garden give people the chance to connect with each other and nature, whether that's through growing food, spending time outdoors or just being part of something locally. The Community Climate Action Programme funding helps us to realize dreams for the garden that would otherwise not be possible."
Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, welcomed the announcement:
"This is very welcome news for Cork City. Our community organisations and services are the backbone of how things get done across the city. The first round of Community Climate Action Programme funding demonstrated how effective we can be in reducing operational costs and future-proofing communities.
The additional funding announced by Minister O'Brien for climate action projects recognises the value of local authorities working in partnership with our communities. This collaboration is one of the most effective ways to deliver tangible climate action and strengthen community resilience."
Projects will commence immediately and are expected to deliver long-term benefits for communities across the city.
Among the successful recipients are Ballincollig GAA (€49,299 for a fabric-first upgrade), Blackrock GAA (€100,000 for fabric upgrades, heat pumps, and solar), Glanmire GAA (€50,000 for an LED upgrade), Ballincollig Senior Citizens Club trading as Westgate Foundation (€84,000 for a fabric-first upgrade), and Ballyvolane Community Garden (€53,000 for the establishment of a community garden).
