Climate Action Funding of over 500,000 Euro for Laois projects
In excess of €519,000 secured in Climate Action Funding for 24 Laois community projects
Following an announcement yesterday by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, Laois have been awarded funding of €519,164.27 in community-led climate action projects under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme.
During his announcement, Minister O’Brien stated that “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”.
Laois Community Climate Action Officer, Colette O’Rourke, stated that she was delighted with the high quality of projects that were put forward by community groups for the second phase. It was particularly pleasing to see so many projects that contributed to Ireland’s climate and energy targets across the 5 main themes – community energy, travel, food & waste, shopping & recycling and local climate & environmental action. Ms. O’Rourke congratulated the successful recipients adding that she was looking forward to working with the groups to offer support, guidance and practical advice that will see these projects through to completion.
Community Projects in Laois Funded Under Phase 2:
St. Canice’s Hall Enhancement and Preservation Group
Building retrofit including attic insulation, LED lighting, internal insulation and replace of a window. Establishing a community garden, plant trees and composter. Community pantry for distribution of surplus food within the community.
Killenard Community Centre
Wall insulation, retro fit windows and doors. Biodiversity planting, recycling bins, bike shelter & fixing and wool spinning equipment.
Clonaslee Parochial Hall Redevelopment Committee
Installation of internal wall and floor insulation. Raised beds for community garden and bike repair stand.
Portlaoise Rugby Club
Rainwater harvesting system and excavation of bioswale for rainwater management. Retrofit works including LED lighting, installation of hot air curtains and smart controls for club house heaters. Purchase of segregated recycling bins and bike shed.
Portlaoise Tidy Towns
Community eBike library to borrow a range of electric bikes including long tail, foldable and cargo bikes on trial basis available to the public.
Mountrath Community Forum
Installation of “Solar Garden” at Bloom HQ and polytunnel and establishment of community garden off Main Street at Macra Hall.
Rathdowney Vision CLG
Retrofit windows. Community garden raised beds, rainwater harvesting and solar irrigation system.
Portarlington GAA Club
Retrofit of doors in GAA Clubhouse and community hall.
4th Laois Portarlington Scout Group
Energy upgrade work to scout den building – insulation to attic, retrofit of windows and doors. Installation of ventilation. Community garden provided with polytunnel & garden equipment.
Laois Applications Community Climate Action Programme by John Hayes
Community Hall Vicarstown
Retrofit of cavity wall and ceiling insulation. Supply & installed new ground floor windows.
Laois Friends Special Needs
Toy library, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity pond and herb planters. Efficient smart controlled heaters.
Camross Community Association
Installation of solar pv system and recycled plastic raised flower planters.
Portarlington Tidy Towns
Deposit & Return Reusable Cup Scheme to reduce levels of single-use cup waste and unsightly litter. Initiative to encourage communities, local businesses & visitors to to return their cups for reuse of a refund.
Ballyroan Community Development CLG
Installation of solar panels suitable for building size
Ballylinan Regeneration Team
Establishment of a community garden, planting of native trees and plants. Installation of large insect hotel, compost bin, picnic bench, swift boxes & bird bath.
Abbeyleix Bog Project
Improved protection of peat fringes at bog bridges and boardwalks using recycled sleepers. Showcase the trail on screen to allow people to learn more about wildlife without needing to access sensitive off-track areas. Reduce non-renewable resources by replacing generators and traditional batteries with solar-powered alternatives for moth traps and outback cameras. Installation of bicycling racks to encourage cycling to bog project walk.
Mountmellick Mens Shed
Establish community garden, polytunnel for sustainable food with solar powered irrigation system. Mens shed will build raised beds and purchase organic compost and plant themselves.
Droimnin Retirement Village Residents Association
Creation of mini forest with planting of native trees and shrubs in area identified with high biodiversity impact.
Abbeyleix Tidy Towns
Tool library for use in the community garden. Bike parking and fixing station. Sports kit & equipment swap facility.
Laois Beekeeping Association
Off grid solar generating kit to replace current diesel generators and bike parking stand.
Mountmellick Women’s Shed
Set up upcycling project. Sewing machines, rolling trollies. Equipment to turn clothing and fabric that is otherwise going to landfill into useful clothing, bags, blankets and other items for their own use and to donate.
Mná le Cheile – Women’s Shed
Tools for furniture upcycling and tool library. Aim is to set up an upcycling group where members can get together to help each other upcycling furniture and clothes. The tools used to complete the project will also be used as a borrow toolbox for members and wider community to enable them to complete upcycling projects.
Women’s Shed, Portlaoise
Tools for upcycling and equipment for community garden. Aim is to set up an upcycling group where members can get together the help each other upcycling furniture and clothes. Garden will be inclusive an accessible to anyone who wants to join in on growing food and plants.
O’Moore Place Allotment Group
Small scale composters which will allow easier composting for older tenants and those with additional needs. Garden carts will make it easier to move equipment around the site. The slow release watering bags will reduce water waste and will support mini-orchard during hotter months.
Photo: Alf Harvey.
Laois County Council is confident that these projects will deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for communities across the county. By supporting practical, locally driven actions, this funding will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions, but also strengthen community resilience, enhance biodiversity, and improve quality of life for residents. The breadth and ambition of the projects demonstrate the vital role communities play in Ireland’s climate transition, and it is hoped that their success will inspire further action and innovation in the years ahead.