Enniscorthy Community Alliance awarded grant to deliver Energy Champion Programme in Wexford

Enniscorthy Community Alliance has received funding from the Climate Actions Work Engagement fund to deliver an innovative Energy Champion Programme aimed at increasing awareness and engagement in energy efficiency to support climate action at the local level. This programme will empower local residents with the knowledge and skills needed to become energy ambassadors in their community—promoting sustainable energy use, reducing emissions, and helping others make informed choices about energy efficiency.

The Climate Actions Work Engagement fund supports initiatives focused on climate engagement, awareness, and communications—helping communities reach new audiences in their localities. With this funding, Enniscorthy Community Alliance will develop and implement a series of workshops, training sessions, and outreach activities designed to inspire practical energy-saving actions among households and community groups across Enniscorthy and surrounding areas.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Darragh O’Brien, and Minister for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon, today announced the awarding of €500,000 in grants nationally under the fund. Grants ranging from €2,500 to €10,000 have been distributed to 96 community groups and organisations across 23 counties. It is estimated that 30,000 people will benefit from the activities generated through this fund, supported by over 2,000 volunteers.The fund is administered by Community Foundation Ireland, whose mission of Equality for All in Thriving Communities has driven over two decades of support for local groups taking action on climate and nature.

Announcing the grantees, Minister O’Brien said:
“Our local communities are delivering great work on climate action, much of which often goes unseen. This funding will help groups in those communities raise awareness of that work and bring the climate action message to a wider audience. From workshops to events to content creation, this fund is really targeted at storytelling – helping people to tell their stories about climate action. I am very pleased to help these initiatives showcase examples of the great work going on across Ireland.”
Minister Dillon added:
“Climate change affects different communities in different ways. This fund helps to shine a light on specific local responses to climate change. From developing engaging social media content to supporting local environmental collectives, this funding will provide valuable assistance to promote the work of community groups, many of whom are working tirelessly on a voluntary basis. I commend their work and welcome this opportunity to showcase and celebrate it.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, congratulated Enniscorthy Community Alliance:
“Partnership is key to meeting the climate challenge. At Community Foundation we are proud to have contributed knowledge and insights from our network of local community groups to inform and deliver this Government initiative. We look forward to seeing the impact of these imaginative projects.”
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The Climate Actions Work Programme builds on engagement with communities through the National Dialogue on Climate Action and aims to support both ongoing and new community-led projects. The Energy Champion Programme by Enniscorthy Community Alliance is a prime example of how local initiatives can drive national goals forward through education, empowerment, and action.