Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) are delighted to announce that in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, they will be launching a new programme called the Community Climate Action Programme, which will support small and large, rural and urban communities to take climate action at a local level. This is a great opportunity for groups to take a holistic approach and actively shape their transition to a low carbon and sustainable community.

Successful applicants under this scheme will deliver a variety of projects that have a direct climate action impact. Funding is available for 100% of the project and communities can apply for up to €20,000, €50,000 or €100,000 for their projects.

Projects of interest would address the themes of energy; travel; food and waste; shopping and recycling; and local climate and environmental action. Projects can include a suite of measures, not just one specific action. It could be anything from retrofitting community buildings, installing bicycle parking, starting a community fridge, initiatives to promote biodiversity – the sky is the limit!

Eligible communities must be a not-for-profit; be located in the operational area of the WCCC; and be registered with the PPN or connected with other collectives such as the Wheel, Tidy Towns and /or a community group with Articles of Association or a Constitution, which hold an AGM, and for which approved minutes are available. Examples of eligible groups include charities, sports clubs, community groups, local environmental groups, social enterprises etc.

WCCC will be hosting information events about this upcoming programme in the coming weeks, and later in March will be running a project development workshop to give communities an opportunity to explore the themes, share experiences, brainstorm ideas and develop their project ideas.

Introducing the Community Climate Action Programme Information Events:
• Waterford City, Granville Hotel (X91 XH5R) on Wednesday 8th March at 7:15pm
• Dungarvan, The Park Hotel (X35 CC97) on Thursday 9th March at 7:15pm
• Online on Friday 10th March at 2:00pm

Click here to register to attend these introductory events 

All communities are welcome, from those who are starting their green journey to those with more experience. There will also be opportunities to develop project ideas with the new Community Climate Action Officer in WCCC.