Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has unveiled almost €35 million in new funding to accelerate local authority-led climate action, underscoring the Government's commitment to supporting communities in the transition to a climate-neutral economy.

The centrepiece is €30 million for the Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) scheme, delivered under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) and co‑funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. START is a closed call to local authorities in the Midlands EU Just Transition Territory to back Climate Action Plan infrastructure projects and feasibility studies aligned with the JTF programme.

Eligible proposals include renewable energy solutions that strengthen community engagement and sustainability; energy efficiency upgrades to public and community buildings; active travel and sustainable transport measures; and the transformation of former landfill sites into tourism and recreational spaces, as well as the development of community and heritage facilities and enhanced public amenities.

In addition, a further €4.9 million is being made available to support local authority climate action nationwide. This includes €2 million next year for Cork, Dublin and Galway under the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission to advance climate‑neutrality goals by 2030; a new €1.5 million fund to assist councils with their Decarbonising Zones (DZs); a new €2.5 million European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) scheme for local authorities in the northern and western region focused on adaptation, biodiversity and green infrastructure within DZs, with the Department committing €1 million; and Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) receiving €2.4 million in 2026 — a €400,000 increase.

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These measures build on the late‑2025 commitment of €26.9 million to support community climate action projects and to retain a Community Climate Action Officer in each local authority through to 2027.

Commenting on the funding, Minister O'Brien said: "Our local authorities are the leaders in making sustainability at a community level a reality. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, hundreds of projects across communities have been and will be funded with the support of over €50 million from the Climate Action Fund from 2023 to 2027. I'm delighted now to announce, in addition, the launch of a new €30 million Just Transition scheme investing further in the Midlands, and to increased climate funding for local authorities in 2026 of almost €5 million. This funding demonstrates our commitment to local authorities and communities, supporting them to deliver the meaningful, place-based climate action required for their specific needs."

Clare Bannon, Acting Director for Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, said: "EMRA is looking forward to launching the START scheme which marks a transformative moment for the wider Midlands region. With this vital boost of investment in the region from government and European Union funding sources, we can empower local decisive climate action, fostering greener and more resilient communities that support the unique character and history of the region."

Pobal CEO, Anna Shakespeare, said: "Pobal is pleased to support the administration of the START programme under the EU Just Transition Fund, on behalf of the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. This investment will enable local authorities, and the organisations they work with, to progress projects that strengthen local resilience, improve public amenities, and support communities as they navigate the transition to a more sustainable future. We look forward to working with local authorities across the Midlands region to ensure they have the guidance and supports needed to bring forward impactful, community‑focused projects."

Frank Curran, Chair of the County and City Management Association's (CCMA) Environment, Climate and Circular Economy Committee and Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said: "We welcome this important increase in government funding, which strengthens our ability to deliver practical, community focused climate action. The updated Climate Action Charter between government and local authorities recognises that local authorities are uniquely placed to provide strong leadership at local and regional level. With statutory Climate Action Plans already in place, and with targeted support for climate neutral city initiatives, investment in our Decarbonising Zones, and the continued work of the Climate Action Regional Offices, today's announcement gives councils further resources to accelerate climate action and help to build resilient, sustainable communities."