Funding for community climate engagement projects in Louth

Funding has been announced today for three community groups in Louth, under the Climate Actions Work Engagement fund, aimed at supporting groups and organisations working to bring people together and share information on climate action. 

Dundalk Inclusive Garden is to receive €5,000 for promoting climate conversations and cultural exchange. Friends of the Earth Dundalk is to receive €2,500 for a project that aims to foster climate awareness, build community resilience, and inspire grassroots action in Dundalk through facilitated climate conversations.

Development Perspectives is to receive €5,000 for its project in relation to the Boyne catchment. The organisation says that it is a treasure in historical, mythical and environmental terms, and that building on the "Boyne Vision", Development Perspectives will "harness the activism of its SDG advocate alumni within the catchment to address climate justice".

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The Climate Actions Work Engagement fund is focused on climate engagement, awareness and communications - helping communities to reach new audiences in their locality. It will also provide opportunities for community groups to promote their work and spread the message of community-led climate action.

The fund is administered by Community Foundation Ireland which as part of its mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities has been empowering local groups, researchers and advocates to take action on climate and nature since 2000. The foundation's work in this space is informed by its 25 years' experience of partnering with 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups as a philanthropic hub; a network which continues to grow.

Louth Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan welcomed news of the funding, commenting that, "local community groups right across the country have become a vital tool in our arsenal to combat climate change. These communities are vital to allow us to raise more awareness on climate change, and they are essential for engaging more people and new audiences."