A call has been issued to schools, community groups and clubs who want to help tackle climate change or promote biodiversity to apply for the Community Environment Action Fund.

Applications for the fund opened today, 21 August, with hundreds of local projects expected to be supported.

Launching the scheme, Environment Minister Richard Bruton said: "I have been hugely impressed by the determination among both young and old, that this time we shall take the climate challenge seriously. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate locally what can be done.

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"Local, community led initiatives are crucial to delivering the ambition set out in the Climate Action Plan. These projects offer people a tangible, practical way to do their part to tackle the climate challenge and feel more connected to their local community as a result.

"It is by working together and supporting these grassroots initiatives that we can deliver the step change required. Last year over 850 projects were supported under this scheme, driving real change in local communities across the country."

The scheme funds small scale, non-profit environmental projects at a local level that make a significant difference in local communities.

Minister Bruton has identified climate and biodiversity as the priorities for this year's Fund.

The closing date for applications is 27 September at 5pm.

For more information visit www.dccae.gov.ie.

(CM/JG)