Over €670,000 announced for community climate action projects in Mayo
Twenty-three Mayo groups are set to benefit from funding for renewable energy, biodiversity, sustainable transport and community resilience projects
Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed that 23 community projects across Mayo will receive a combined €678,568 in funding under the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP).
The funding, awarded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, will support a broad range of local initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, promoting biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience in communities throughout the county.
The Community Climate Action Programme provides grants to community organisations to deliver projects contributing to national climate and energy targets. Funded initiatives range from renewable energy installations and biodiversity schemes to water conservation, sustainable transport and waste reduction projects.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Calleary said the funding would make a meaningful difference to communities across Mayo.
“The projects in Mayo, which will be delivered in partnership with Mayo County Council, are for initiatives in renewable energy, enhancing community engagement, promoting sustainability, active travel and sustainable transport,” he said. “There is a wide spread of projects right across the county and the money allocated will make a real difference for the successful recipients.”
Among the largest allocations is €95,225 for Moy Davitts GAA Club, which will undertake an integrated upgrade including insulation, solar panels, LED lighting, biodiversity planting and active travel measures such as bicycle infrastructure.
Tooreen Hurling Club secured €73,000 for a major sustainability project combining solar energy, biodiversity measures, water efficiency improvements, community gardening and active travel supports.
Crossmolina Deelrovers GAA also secures €72,000 for the installation of solar panels and for several energy retrofit works, including insulation upgrades, LED lighting and new energy -efficient doors.
Meanwhile, Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club will receive €56,500 for a new cycle lane and pedestrian walkway designed to encourage walking and cycling to the club.
Other significant projects include funding for Castlebar Rugby Club, which received €29,453 to install solar photovoltaic panels, battery storage and energy resilience measures, and Westport United Community Soccer Club, which secured €20,094 for solar-powered e-bike charging, bicycle repair facilities and bike shelter infrastructure.
Smaller-scale projects also received support, including biodiversity and food-growing initiatives such as a new polytunnel and rainwater harvesting systems for the Ballina Karen Community Green Garden, swift nesting schemes through Swift Conservation Mayo and artificial sand martin nesting facilities in Castlebar.
Projects in Louisburgh, Kilalla, Cong, Parke and Crimlin, Straide, Ballyhaunis, Aghamore, Balla and Breaffy also received funding for initiatives including solar energy systems, composting, biodiversity trails, water refill stations, LED lighting upgrades, tree planting and sustainable transport infrastructure.
Minister Calleary congratulated the successful groups and said the investments reflected the growing role of communities in responding to climate challenges at local level.
“I want to congratulate all of those who have been allocated funding today and wish them well on their climate action journey,” he added.