More than €1.4 million is to be spent on community level climate action projects under the government’s Climate Action Fund, according to new figures released in response to a parliamentary question from Wicklow TD John Brady.
The funding forms part of the national Community Climate Action Programme, which is designed to support local authorities in working with community groups on projects that cut emissions, improve energy efficiency and strengthen climate resilience.
Wicklow County Council secured €646,000 under Phase One of the programme and a further €766,469 under Phase Two, announced in May. Phase Two will support 820 projects nationwide, with every local authority receiving an allocation to help deliver national climate and energy targets.
Climate Minister Darragh O’Brien said the fund currently holds a balance of €247.59 million, with more than €270 million already spent on projects across the State and a further €200 million committed to initiatives in the coming years.
He described the fund as a central pillar of Ireland’s climate strategy, supporting projects that reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and build resilience.
The reply outlines a broad spread of Wicklow linked allocations across schools, public lighting, businesses and public sector buildings, reflecting the county’s growing involvement in national climate programmes.
One of the largest individual allocations for Wicklow comes through the Schools PV Programme, which has approved solar panel funding for 85 schools in the county. The total allocation amounts to €751,381, with the minister saying the programme is intended to cut energy costs for schools and reduce emissions from the education sector.
He said the rollout of solar PV across schools is a key part of the Government’s plan to expand renewable generation and support public‑sector decarbonisation.
Wicklow is also participating in the Eastern Region Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project, led by Kilkenny County Council. The project has a total allocation of €6.83 million and involves 10 local authorities. It aims to replace older lighting stock with more efficient alternatives, reducing energy consumption and emissions from public lighting infrastructure.
While the minister did not specify Wicklow’s share of the funding, the county is expected to benefit from upgrades across its public lighting network as part of the regional scheme.
Further support has been provided through SEAI programmes. The Business Energy Update Scheme has allocated €380,399 to Wicklow, helping businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. The Pathfinder programme, which funds public‑sector retrofits and decarbonisation projects, has provided €583,092 to Wicklow County Council.
A separate Pathfinder payment of €745,928 has been issued to the Department of Education for works in Wicklow schools. The minister said these programmes complement the Climate Action Fund by supporting energy upgrades across public buildings and commercial premises, contributing to national emissions‑reduction targets.
The reply also highlights national schemes funded through the Climate Action Fund, including a €30 million allocation to the EV Purchase Grant Scheme and a €10 million pilot scrappage scheme aimed at accelerating the removal of older, higher‑polluting vehicles.
The minister said the scrappage payment, combined with the existing electric vehicle purchase grant, provides support of up to €8,500 per vehicle for eligible applicants. He said the schemes are intended to maintain certainty around EV supports and encourage fleet turnover.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme