Galway County Council has launched a €762,000 Community Climate Action Fund to support local groups developing climate-focused projects across the county.

Announced during Climate Action Week, the scheme will provide full financial support to not-for-profit organisations, including community and voluntary groups such as Tidy Towns committees, development associations and sports clubs.

Eligible projects must align with at least one of five key themes: community energy, sustainable transport, local food promotion, circular economy and waste reduction, or local environmental action.

The fund was launched at a showcase event at Brigit’s Garden in Rosscahill, where participants learned from successful initiatives and received guidance on how to apply for the 2025 round. Applications open tomorrow, October 21st, via galwaycoco.submit.com, and will close on December 16th.

Last year, the fund supported 32 projects across County Galway, including solar panel installations, energy-efficient lighting, cycling infrastructure, community gardens and public water refill stations.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the success of the 2024 projects demonstrated the positive impact of community-led climate action. “These initiatives are delivering tangible benefits, from lower energy bills to improved community facilities,” he said.

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services, noted that the fund reflects the ambition of the Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024–2029. “The success of the first round shows the strong commitment across the county to renewable energy, circular economy practices and carbon reduction,” he said.

To help applicants prepare, Galway County Council has partnered with the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board to offer a free online Climate Action Course on October 22nd and 29th. The course will help community groups identify practical climate actions and navigate the application process.

Further information and support are available via climateaction@galwaycoco.ie.