Laois County Council has been allocated €465,000 in government funding to support a wide range of community groups in Laois. The funding, which is part of the Community Climate Action Programme, will enable these organizations to invest in projects that will improve their communities, save energy, and reduce their carbon footprint.

The projects in the pipeline are being funded under the €27 million Community Climate Action Programme funding which as been provided to Laois County Council and other local authorities to partner with community groups.

The news was welcomed by Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Sean Fleming. He said: “Community groups and volunteers do great work in our local areas, and this funding also recognizes this hard work by further investing in projects.

The finalisation of each allocation is underway and I would encourage each local group below to make sure they respond to Laois County Council as soon as they are contacted by them.

The Laois projects that are in line for funding are listed below. The final allocation for each project will be confirmed as soon as possible.

This total funding will be ring-fenced for Laois projects.”

Projects Awarded Funding and Their Focus Areas

The funding will be distributed to a variety of community groups, including sports clubs, tidy towns initiatives, and local enterprise groups. It will support a wide array of projects, focusing on initiatives like energy upgrades, retrofitting, the development of community gardens and parks, and promoting sustainable practices.

Here are some of the key projects that have been awarded funding:

• Abbeyleix: The Abbeyleix Community Garden group will install rainwater harvesting and gravity-fed irrigation systems at the community garden. The Abbeyleix Park Development Committee plans to implement a 'Smart Plan' at the Fr Breen Sports Park.
• Ballyroan: Ballyroan Community Development CLG will use the funding to retrofit the Old Boys School building for use as a community facility. The project will include retrofit works, bike repair facilities, bike stands, and compost bins.
• Camross: The Camross Community Association is in line to receive funding for an energy upgrade of their community hall.
• Clonad: Clonad GAA, a participant in the GAA’s Green Club’s Project called Téimis Glas, will use the funding to further their sustainability efforts.
• The Heath: The Heath community will receive funding for climate and environmental action initiatives.
• Laois Federation of Tidy Towns: The Federation will use the funds to acquire a 'Green Your Festival kit' to promote sustainable practices at local events.
• Monavea: St Abbans Athletic Club in Monavea will receive funding for their project called 'Action Energy Abbans'.
• Mountmellick: The Mountmellick Men's Shed will receive support for climate-proofing their facilities.
• Mountrath: The Mountrath Community Forum is due to receive funding to green the town's Macra Hall. The Mountrath Tidy Towns Association has plans for a fully dry toilet, including a wormery, to promote waste management and composting.
• Killenard: O'Dempseys GAA club is pursuing a 'Green Trails' project, which will see the development of a sustainable pathway at the club.
• Portarlington: The Portarlington Business Association Sustainability Group has plans for a Portarlington Community Bike Library.
• Portlaoise: The Portlaoise Laois Teachers' Climate Action Committee has applied for a 'Grow Me Local' project. Portlaoise Tidy Towns aims to carry out a Greening Lyster Square project.
• Rathdowney: Rathdowney Vision CLG wants to advance a Rathdowney Vision for a Sustainable Community.

Ensuring Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

The funding allocated to each project will be used to implement specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) initiatives. These initiatives will contribute to the broader goals of the Community Climate Action Programme, which aims to build low-carbon communities in Ireland.

This funding will be essential in supporting community groups and volunteers who are dedicated to making a positive difference in their local areas. By investing in these projects, the government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting local initiatives that contribute to Ireland's climate action goals.

A Collaborative Approach to Achieving Climate Goals

The success of the Community Climate Action Programme lies in its collaborative approach. Local authorities are partnering with community groups to identify and implement climate action projects that are tailored to the specific needs of each community. This localized approach ensures that the funding is directed towards initiatives that will have the greatest impact.

The projects funded by the Community Climate Action Programme demonstrate the innovative and diverse ways in which communities are addressing climate change. From energy efficiency upgrades to community gardens, these initiatives are helping to create more sustainable and resilient communities across Ireland.

A Call to Action: Embracing the Power of Community

The Community Climate Action Programme is a testament to the power of community action in driving positive change. By working together, communities can play a vital role in tackling climate change and building a more sustainable future for Ireland.

This program serves as an inspiration to other communities across the globe, demonstrating that collective action can make a tangible difference in addressing environmental challenges.

As we move forward, it is crucial to continue to foster collaboration between local authorities and community groups. By working together, we can harness the power of community action to achieve our shared climate goals and build a greener, more sustainable future for all.