Community Climate Action Programme - 2026 to date

Progress continues across community climate action

As the autumn days start to shorten, the Community Climate Action Programme continues to progress community led climate projects that deliver real impact. 

Below is an interim review of 2026 to date. 

Launch of Phase 2

In late May, over €1.2 million was allocated to 27 community climate projects under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme. The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Francis Timmons welcomed a selection of the successful groups to County Hall in early July. Groups were also supported with a ‘how to deliver your project’ session. The session looked to provide useful guidance that can help groups navigate the often complex projects they are undertaking.

Fig 1: Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Francis Timmons with Phase 2 groups

Complexity can arise as work often will focus on rejuvenating and future proofing older buildings across energy, or changing how communities travel, grow and deal with waste. Such work includes installing renewable energy sources like solar panels or insulating buildings to make them warmer. Other projects focus on reducing food waste and increasing local food production, reducing the climate impact of our food systems, as well as the development of local green spaces. Projects also seek to promote active travel, by providing parking facilities for bikes and scooters, thus encouraging alternative journeys to those made by vehicle.

This second round of funding under the programme is supporting a range of local community organisations, from addiction services centres to food growing social enterprises, community centres at the heart of their communities, and women’s collectives.

The list of projects receiving funding can be viewed here.

Communities are at the heart of climate action. The strong interest in phase 2 of the programme is emblematic of the fact that people want to do more. With funding coming from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, this second round of projects form a crucial part of the ongoing community climate response.

Fig 2: Hard at work with newly funded equipment, FoodCloud Kitchen

Delivery of Phase 1

Phase 1 of the Community Climate Action Programme completed in August 2026, with €1,092,336.28 spent by community organisations across local areas. 52 distinct climate projects were delivered by the 26 groups who received funding.

Table 1: Key Outcomes - Phase 1

In addition to the approximately 168,000 kWh per annum of Solar PV potential installed across 11 community sites, 9 community buildings improved their BERs through a range of energy efficiency measures, including external, internal, and attic insulation, new windows and doors, and LED lighting retrofits. This will result not only in lower energy bills but also in more comfortable, future proofed, energy efficient spaces.

5 sports pitches retrofitted to LED lights, significantly reducing community energy use and electricity grid reliance. 5 community sites supported the introduction of sustainable travel options, either by installing EV charging or bicycle parking facilities. 3 food waste projects completed, either by preventing food waste before it happens or turning it into compost and other useful derivatives. 6 projects delivered green infrastructure enhancements, including the planting of native trees and native hedging, the installation of rainwater planters, and new green areas reclaimed for flood resilience, biodiversity enhancement and amenity value. 

SDCC also engaged with national Strand 1a funding seeking to support all-island climate action and were successful in securing €96,000 for an innovative project between Round Tower GAA in Clondalkin and Mountfield Community Association in Co. Tyrone. This project has brought about new community connections, centred around climate action.

Fig 3: Rainwater Planters built by the St. Annes GAA community, Spring 2026