Kerry County Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Community Climate Action Programme Strand 1, Phase 2, with €663,000 available to support local community organisations in delivering climate action projects across the county.

The programme, which is funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, opened for applications on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, and will remain open until Monday, 22nd December 2025.

The objective of the programme is to empower communities to take practical steps towards building low-carbon, sustainable communities that contribute directly to Ireland’s national climate and energy targets.

Community groups are invited to submit project proposals under one or more of the following themes:

• Community Energy
• Travel
• Food and Waste
• Shopping and Recycling
• Local Climate and Environmental Action

Community Climate Action Officer Caroline Toal said Communities are at the heart of how we deliver climate action in Kerry. This programme empowers communities in Kerry to take meaningful climate action at a local level. Alongside Kerry County Council Climate Action Plan, it’s an important step in building a low-carbon, sustainable future for the county.”

John Kennelly, Director of Services Community, Climate Action & Operational Services Kerry County Council, “Kerry County Council welcomes the funding from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment for Strand 1, Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme. This funding investment of €663,000 is aimed at the communities and turning their climate ideas into action, and action into change. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, Kerry County Council is proud to support communities across the county to lead by example in tackling climate change. By working together, we can build low-carbon, sustainable communities that make Kerry a more resilient and vibrant place to live.”

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Michael Foley said, “It is wonderful to see the extension of the Community Climate Action Programme in County Kerry and I would encourage the various community groups throughout the county, big or small, to look at what difference they can make at a local level to affect climate change.”

The programme can fund up to 100% of eligible costs. Grants will be awarded under three thresholds:

• Small grants: up to €20,000
• Medium grants: €20,000–€50,000
• Large-scale grants: €50,000–€100,000

Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit groups based in the Kerry County Council area and registered with the Kerry PPN, or linked with recognised networks such as The Wheel, Tidy Towns, or other constituted community organisations with proper governance structures.

To learn more about the programme and how to apply, visit:

https://www.kerrycoco.ie/communityclimateactionprogramme/