Grants

Championing Community Climate Action, Kilkenny

The Climate Action Office of Kilkenny County Council has developed a meaningful and results-driven programme of community-led climate action through the Community Climate Action Fund (CCAF).

A total of €672,000, funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), Kilkenny County Council, and community contributions, was invested in 22 projects throughout the county. This funding leveraged considerable additional indirect investment, volunteer engagement, and led to notable reductions in energy consumption, emissions, and water use, delivering tangible savings on utility bills, enhanced nature protection, native planting, and reduced reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

The 22 community projects focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and biodiversity. Many retrofitted community buildings with insulation, LED lighting, electric heating, and Solar PV panels to reduce energy use and emissions. Other actions included installing rainwater harvesting systems, composters, and water refill stations. Outdoor spaces were enhanced through pollinator-friendly planting, wildflower meadows, native hedging, and edible gardens using raised beds and polytunnels. Active travel was promoted via bike racks, repair stations, and shared bike schemes. GAA and community centres introduced EV charging points, solar generators, and habitat zones. These community-driven efforts not only cut carbon and increased resource efficiency but also promote healthier, low-impact lifestyles. Collectively, they align with Kilkenny’s Climate Action Plan and Ireland’s broader climate and biodiversity goals.

The 22 community projects focused on 3 broad themes as follows:

To see a map of the 22 groups, and details of the projects funded click here.

Kilkenny County Council understands the key challenges communities face in addressing climate action and in response developed a community-focused climate action programme, centered on three core pillars:

1. Outreach, Education and Awareness

Established strong partnerships through one-to-one engagement; and created new resources to encourage participation, facilitated knowledge-sharing, and built a community of practice.

2. Measurable Impact

Implemented systems to track and quantify project outcomes, demonstrating real-world benefits.

3. Whole-of-LA Approach

Secured active collaboration across multiple sections, including Climate Action, Municipal Districts, Planning, Community, and Active Travel, ensuring a coordinated and inclusive delivery.

The Climate Action Office in partnership with the communities and other service areas in the Council developed new resources to support continued community climate action. These included creating a StoryMap showcasing funded projects, professionally produced videos highlighting local climate action initiatives and a grant information leaflet outlining relevant national and local supports available.

Quantifiable Benefits

The direct benefits of the 22 projects were identified and measured. They include the following:  

This project supports Ireland’s National Climate Action Objectives and the Kilkenny County Council Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, reinforcing local commitment to national climate targets and fostering community-led climate action to support Kilkenny’s transition toward a climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich, sustainable, and carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

This initiative also addresses seven of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s):