The Community Climate Action Programme is a programme to support communities to take climate action at a local level. Wexford County Council in association with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), will provide funding to communities for projects that promote community climate action.
The objective of the CCAP is to build low carbon, sustainable communities, which will, in turn contribute to the national climate and energy targets.
The first round of funding is now closed and the second round is expected in 2025. However, other grant programmes may be available during 2024 so please contact the Community Climate Action Officer by emailing climateaction@wexfordcoco.ie
Allocations announced for 2024
The first round of funding allocations was announced in July 2024, with 16 groups to benefit from Wexford’s allocation of €669,000. Groups will be delivering on a broad range of climate action measures, such as lighting upgrades, solar panels, insulation, community e-bike library, rainwater gardens, pollinator planting and community food fridges. More details available here.
About the CCAP:
This funding is part of the Community Climate Action Programme, which supports projects and initiatives that facilitate climate action within local communities. The fund is open to not-for-profit community groups and clubs.
The CCAP can fund 100% of all eligible costs for the project and there are three project sizes eligible:
- Small scale projects < €20,000
- Medium scale projects €20,000 to €50,000
- Large scale projects €51,000 to €100,000
Projects must deliver a direct positive impact on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or helping communities adapt to the consequences of climate change.
Eligibility
- not-for-profit organisations / clubs
- located in operational area of Wexford County Council
- registered with Wexford Public Participation Network (PPN) or connected with other collectives e.g. The Wheel, Tidy Towns or a community group - Articles of Association or a Constitution - hold an AGM, approved minutes available
PPN membership is not a requirement of this funding. However, it can be helpful for community organizations to join. The core membership benefit of the PPN is sharing information across members and to members. Information can vary from details of public consultations, training events, funding opportunities to member events. Further details on the PPN are available at https://wexfordppn.ie/
NOT eligible:
- Private individuals
- Commercial undertakings (including sole traders)
- Schools
- National community or environmental organisations
The five programme themes
A project may comprise several of the suggested project types as set out in themes 1 to 5 below. While these themes provide suggestions for the types of projects which may be funded, applicants are not limited to selecting these project types and are encouraged to explore innovative projects that meet the objective of the Programme.
The 5 themes are as follows:
Theme 1: Community & Energy
LED community lighting, small renewable energy projects (solar / hydro / wind), rainwater harvesting, retrofitting community buildings (windows & doors, insulation, LED lighting, heat pumps)
Theme 2: Travel
Cycle parking / racks, improving cycle way access, eCargo bikes
Theme 3: Food and waste
Community composting facilities, community gardens / allotments, community fridges
Theme 4: Shopping and recycling
Swap shops, water filling stations, single use plastics elimination, toy library, bike repair hubs
Theme 5: Local climate and environmental action
Climate resilience - measures to reduce harmful effects of extreme climate events such as planted mounds to slow flood water, constructed storm water wetlands. Mini forests, dispersed orchards (fruit trees), roof gardens, pollinator projects
Resources:
CCAP information evening presentation
Sustainable Energy Communities
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland SEAI