Community-Led Climate Action Projects in County Cork to Share Over €1 Million in Funding

A pilot food waste collection scheme on a West Cork island; new bike racks made from recycled wind turbine blades in North Cork; and the installation of solar PV panels on community buildings across the county are among more than 30 projects that have been awarded funding under the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP). Cork County Council has announced that 31 community-led climate action projects have been approved for funding totalling €1,000,265.

The CCAP is a new programme developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) to address climate change at a local level and aims to support and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities to contribute to national climate and energy targets. 

The successful projects include;

• A community-led upgrade and development of an active travel pathway/cycleway in Macroom. 
• The installation of a community biodigester and pilot food waste collection scheme on Oileán Chléire to address food waste. 
• Retrofit works to local community buildings, including a community swimming pool in Baltimore and a theatre in Charleville, to improve energy efficiency.  
• The installation of solar PV panels on community premises across the county to increase renewable energy generation and reduce energy costs. 
• The development of a biodiversity corridor in Glounthaune. 
• The provision of enhanced cycling infrastructure (bike racks and seating) to increase active travel facilities in Killeagh and in Mallow.

Mayor of Cork County, Cllr. Joe Carroll said, 

Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan said, “I am delighted to support these vital local projects under the Community Climate Action Programme, a landmark fund which is making €24 million available to climate action projects across Ireland, alongside a €3 million contribution from the government’s Shared Island Fund. Communities and Local Authorities know best the climate actions that work for their area and can deliver the most effective climate solutions on the ground. I look forward to seeing the transformative effect these projects will have not only in tackling climate change, but in making our cities, towns and villages better places to live and work.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added, 

Projects approved for funding under Strand 1 of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP):