€150,000 LEADER funding available for climate action projects in Westmeath
Westmeath Community Development on behalf of the LAG, Westmeath Local Community Development Committee is seeking expressions of interest for environmental/climate action projects under the Theme of Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
The LEADER Programme has been instrumental in supporting communities and rural dwellers across Westmeath over the last 30 years through initiatives that seek to address locally identified needs and challenges.
The Local Development Strategy (LDS) for the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme outlines the aims and objectives for the county under the specific themes that reflect the needs of rural Ireland including economic measures, social inclusion actions as well as environmental initiatives.
Ireland has made key commitments to improve our environment, increasing the rate of key decarbonisation activities across all sectors of the economy.
Community based initiatives will play a key role in meeting Ireland’s national climate targets and reducing carbon emissions. In Westmeath, there have been recent improvements in the uptake by individuals and communities in the installation of renewable energy technologies that will have a positive impact on the environment.
Climate change consequences are far reaching and already are having impacts on our environment, society, economy and natural resources. Action needs to be taken urgently to respond to the climate crisis and create a future which is sustainable from an economic, societal and environmental perspective.
While climate change affects all communities, it can disproportionally affect rural communities in both scale and intensity.
Responding to climate change involves two approaches; mitigation and adaption.
Mitigation measures involve actions to support the reduction and stabilising the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions.
Adaptation measures refer to how we plan for negative effects of climate change and take suitable action to prevent or minimise the damage it can cause.
Communities in Westmeath have a role to play in climate change mitigation and adaption measures which will contribute to reducing the pace of climate change and the effects on our communities.
LEADER and the rural environment
While recognising that the environment and climate change issues are relevant for all LEADER interventions, there are a number of specific areas identified under the Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment theme.
They include community-led initiatives that focus on the protection and sustainable use of water resources and the protection and improvement of local biodiversity, raising awareness and engagement on climate change at the community and individual level and supporting actions like renewable energy installations and energy efficiency improvements.
Projects that may be supported
This call aims to support Westmeath communities to undertake projects that tackle climate change in their own areas. Such projects may include but are not limited to the following:
• Installation of renewable energy technology systems in community buildings and sports clubhouses used by the wider community. • Upgrading of lights and heating systems within community buildings to improve energy efficiency
• Smart solar powered benches and seating in amenity areas and parks
• Rainwater harvesting initiatives, rain gardens and small-scale actions aimed at conserving water resources
• Community gardens and small-scale planting initiatives aimed at improving local biodiversity.
• Feasibility Studies and Plans in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaption
• Other innovative eligible actions and efforts aimed at reducing our carbon footprint may also be considered.
Budget and grant aid available
A budget of €150,000 is available for project under this Climate Action Targeted Call. Grant aid of up to €40,000 to a maximum of 75% may be granted for eligible community projects and up to €30,000 to a maximum of 90% available for analysis and development projects.
The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is September 22, 2026
For further details and to request an Expression of Interest Form please contact leader@westcd.ie.