Donegal County Council has announced that applications for funding under the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) will be the 29 December 2023.

The CCAP will support small and large communities in rural and urban settings to take on climate action at a local level.

The funding will be provided by Donegal County Council in association with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).

The objective of the CAPP is to build low carbon, sustainable communities, which will, in turn contribute to the national climate and energy targets.

There are two strands of funding available:

• Strand 1: focuses on direct climate action building low carbon communities.

• Strand 1A: focuses on cross-border projects in partnership with communities and organisations in Northern Ireland.

This financial support is a part of the Community Climate Action Programme, designed to aid projects and initiatives that promote climate action at the grassroots level. It welcomes applications from not-for-profit community groups and clubs.

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The CCAP can fund 100 per cent of all eligible costs for the project and there are three project sizes eligible:

•Small scale projects < €20,000

•Medium scale projects €20,000 to €50,000

•Large scale projects €51,000 to €100,000

Projects should generate a positive influence on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and/or aiding communities in adapting to the effects of climate change.

The five themes of the programme are:

Theme 1: Community and Energy

LED community lighting, small renewable energy projects (solar / hydro / wind), rainwater harvesting, retrofitting community buildings (windows & doors, insulation, LED lighting, heat pumps).

Theme 2: Sustainable Travel

Cycle parking / racks, improving cycle way access, safe and active routes to schools, eCargo bikes, bike repair hubs.

Theme 3: Food and Waste

Community composting facilities, community gardens / allotments, community fridges.

Theme 4: Shopping and Recycling

Swap shops, water filling stations, single use plastics elimination, musical instrument reuse, paint recycling, toy library.

Theme 5: Local Climate and Environmental Action

Climate resilience - measures to reduce harmful effects of extreme climate events such as planted mounds to slow flood water, constructed storm water wetlands. Mini forests, dispersed orchards (fruit trees), community gardens, roof gardens, pollinator projects.