Carlow climate action projects get national showcase

TWO projects with partner organisations based in Carlow were showcased at a major national climate conference in Dublin, highlighting local involvement in developing innovative approaches to climate action.

The projects were featured at a conference presenting new research by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Pobal, which evaluated 19 community climate action programmes across the country.

The projects with Carlow-based partner organisations included the ‘Community Energy Hubs’ initiative, delivered by the South-East Energy Agency in partnership with library services across Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford. This project helps households, community groups and businesses understand and reduce their energy usage.

Also featured was the GAA Green Club Programme, a nationwide organisational capacity building project involving the GAA, Camogie Association of Ireland, Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association and multiple other partners. The programme supports GAA clubs in integrating sustainable development goals and climate action into their club plans.

The national research identified four critical elements for successful community climate action ‒ early and sustained community engagement, intentional inclusivity of marginalised groups, flexible and responsive design and a commitment to learning by doing.

The study emphasised the importance of longer-term funding to support stability and sustainability of climate initiatives while building community trust.

The research examined how successful approaches could be expanded, finding that continuous and flexible funding, along with strong local leadership, play crucial roles in maintaining momentum.

Beyond the Carlow connections, the research featured diverse projects, including programmes that transformed food waste into sustainable community food systems, coastal adaptation training for areas vulnerable to rising sea levels and feminist-led approaches to climate justice.