Seven local groups benefit from €542,378 allocated for Westmeath community projects

Seven local groups are set to benefit from a total of €542,378 allocated for Westmeath community projects.

Minister Darragh O'Brien TD yesterday (Thursday) announced almost €30 million in funding under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme, supporting practical local projects that will help communities reduce emissions, improve sustainability and strengthen climate resilience.

Some of the groups to benefit include Moate Railway Station Group, Heartlands Pride Athlone, Caulry GAA, Lough Ree Yacht Club, Athlone GAA, Ballinahown Community Development, and Garrycastle GAA.

Phase 2 of the programme sees Local Authorities continue to partner directly with community groups to deliver projects that contribute to Ireland’s climate and energy targets, while supporting communities to scale up local climate action initiatives.

Projects supported under the programme address five key themes: community energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, and local climate and environmental action.

Announcing the funding, Minister O’Brien said: "Communities across Ireland are leading the way in climate action, delivering practical projects that reduce emissions, strengthen local resilience and improve quality of life. I am delighted to announce the successful projects under this latest phase of the Community Climate Action Programme, and to provide a further €2.6 million to ensure even more of these ambitious community projects can move forward.

"This programme empowers communities to take meaningful local action on climate change, while also contributing to our national climate and energy goals. The scale of interest and quality of applications received demonstrates the commitment of communities nationwide to building a cleaner, more sustainable future."