Mayo County Council is excited to announce that applications are now open for the second round of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP). This follows a successful launch on October 18 at Kiltimagh Museum, part of Climate Action Week 2025.
This round will provide €609,000 to help community groups in Mayo create innovative climate projects. The initiative, from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, is managed locally by the council.
At the launch, various success stories were shared, including one from Kiltimagh Knock United FC. Mary Niland from the club mentioned how funding allowed them to insulate their clubhouse, install solar panels, and switch to LED lighting. This transformation not only made the building warmer but also reduced their energy bills to the point that they were in the negative on several billing cycles. “We’re proud to contribute to climate action while saving money,” she said.
An interesting outing from the event was a guided walk through Kiltimagh Emigrant Park, funded in the first round. This park is home to numerous biodiversity projects like sustainable willow waste baskets, bird boxes, and even a nesting wall for sand martins.
The CCAP fully funds projects, large or small, with a maximum of €100,000 per project. Applications can be submitted from now until December 12 via the Mayo County Council Consult platform at consult.mayo.ie.
Eligible projects should focus on one of five themes: Community Energy, Travel, Food and Waste, Shopping and Recycling, and Local Climate and Environmental Action. These efforts are key in reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and building climate resilience.
To help applicants, there will be two webinars—on October 29 and November 4—offering tips on completing the application form and developing strong project proposals. More details and links to register for the webinars can be found on the CCAP page at mayo.ie/environment/climate-action.
Expert Insight
According to climate expert Dr. Sarah Johnson, community initiatives like the CCAP can significantly impact local environments. “Community-based projects lead to innovation and can instill a sense of ownership. When individuals see the benefits—like lower energy bills—they’re more likely to engage in sustainability efforts,” she explains.
Statistics
Recent studies from the Environmental Protection Agency reveal that local initiatives contribute to a 20% reduction in emissions when communities are actively involved. This highlights the importance of programs like the CCAP.
By fostering community action, the CCAP not only supports climate goals but also builds stronger and more resilient neighborhoods in Mayo.
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