Minister O’Brien announces new funding of almost €35 million to underpin climate action in our communities

• €30 million to support local climate action – under the EU Just Transition Fund – to continue the economic, environmental, and social transformation of the Midlands region
• An increase of €4.9 million in funding for local authority climate action nationally
• Minister agrees new Climate Action Charter to be signed with 31 Local Authorities

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has announced significant new funding of almost €35 million to further support local authorities as they continue to drive forward climate action in our communities. This funding underpins the continued commitment of Government to local climate action and recognises the key role of local authorities in supporting communities as we transition to a climate neutral economy.
€30 million START Scheme to support local climate action
As part of the European Union’s Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU, €30 million is being provided to local authorities in the Midlands EU Just Transition Territory to support their local climate action.  The new scheme, Supporting a Sustainable Transition through Climate Action for a Resilient Territory (START) will support Local Authority-led Climate Action Plan infrastructure projects and feasibility studies that align with the EU JTF programme. The types of projects that local authorities can submit for consideration under this closed call include but are not limited to:

• Renewable energy solutions, enhancing community engagement, promoting sustainability;
• Enhancing energy efficiency of public and community buildings;
• Active travel and sustainable transport;
• Transforming former landfill sites into tourism/recreational spaces, developing community/heritage spaces, enhancing public amenities.

Additional €4.9 million for Local Authority Climate Action:
A further €4.9 million is also being made to support Local Authority climate action across Ireland. This will break down as follows:

• The three Irish cities in the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission – Cork, Dublin and Galway – will be able to access funding of €2 million next year. This will help the cities to deliver projects which move them to becoming climate neutral by 2030.
• A new fund of €1.5 million will be set up to assist local authorities with their Decarbonising Zones (DZs). DZs are spatial areas which have been selected by local authorities as the focus for climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity projects.
• There is a new €2.5 million European Regional Development Fund scheme for local authorities in the northern and western region. It offers funding for local projects in Decarbonising Zones on adaptation or the protection of biodiversity and green infrastructure. The Department is committing €1 million in funding.
• Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) will receive €2.4 million in 2026 – an increase of €400,000. The offices support local authorities to deliver climate action, helping them develop local climate plans and sharing best practice across the regions.

These announcements follow a funding commitment at the end of 2025 of €26.9m to fund community climate action projects and a Community Climate Action Officer in each Local Authority 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.”
Commenting on the launch of the START scheme, Clare Bannon, A/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 Environment, Climate and Communications 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.”
Commenting on the additional funding being made available to local authorities, 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.”
More information on climate action in our communities can be view on gov.ie (Link to go live on Monday 16 February 00.01am)