€35m for community climate action plans

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SWAN wetlands

Local authorities will receive funding under the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support transition to a climate neutral economy.

Co-funded by Ireland’s exchequer, the €30m ‘Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory’ (START) scheme, will support infrastructure projects and feasibility studies in the Midlands region throughout 2026 that align with the EU’s JTF programme.

Projects include:

  • Renewable energy solutions, enhancing community engagement, promoting sustainability
  • Enhancing energy efficiency of public and community buildings
  • Active travel and sustainable transport
  • Transforming former landfill sites into tourism/recreational spaces, developing community/heritage spaces, enhancing public amenities

A further €5m will support climate action plans in Cork, Dublin, Galway and northern regions, assist local authorities with selected Decarbonising Zones that are focus-led on climate mitigation, along with adaptation and biodiversity projects.

Climate Action Regional officers will receive €2.4m to help local authorities deliver targeted plans and share best practice across the regions.

Hundreds of projects are being supported through a five-year, €50 million fund, to 2027.

“Local authorities are leaders in making sustainability at community level a reality,” remarked Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment. This funding demonstrates our commitment to local authorities and communities support them to deliver the meaningful, place-based climate action required for their specific needs.”

More work required

While Ireland was making “significant progress” in reducing emissions, and initial quarterly emissions data for 2024 was pointing to further decreases, “more work needs to be done,” remarked Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy.

Accelerating the implementation of actions and strengthening the climate governance structures in this, and the next Climate Action Plan (Climate Action Plan 2026) will be key if Ireland is to close the emissions gap and stay within the limits of the Carbon Budgets.”

Climate Action Charter

‘The Climate Action Charter between local and national government was introduced in 2019. The charter has been updated so that it aligns with the latest climate action policy context. It recognises that a whole-of-government approach is essential to address climate change. Central government has a lead role to play in developing policy and to ensure resources are made available to realise Ireland’s climate and sustainability commitments, while local authorities are ideally placed to provide robust leadership in advancing this objective at the local and regional level.’

Climate Action Plan 2025

The third statutory update to the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

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