Minister of State, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., has announced that almost 10,000 euro has been allocated to eight environmental awareness projects in County Clare, under the 2009 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund.The Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level. It has operated in various forms since 1997 when 65 projects received funding. 408 projects across Ireland are to receive grants totalling 636,111 euro under the Fund in 2009.
Minister of State Killeen noted that the administration of the funds at local level was the responsibility of Clare County Council with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government maintaining a supervisory role.
The Clare T.D. added that a wide variety of innovative and exciting projects and schemes in County Clare have been supported under the Fund during recent years. He continued: “I am delighted that all projects focus on environmental awareness and action, which complement national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Development. This year, responding to increased levels of interest, the Department sought to raise awareness of sustainable living and the importance of locally grown produce through the provision of community vegetable gardens and allotments”.
Minister of State Killeen outlined, “The Clare projects, in receipt of funding this year, range from an Environmental Awareness Community Workshop Programme to an education initiative on the transition to a Sustainable Low-Carbon Future. Other projects include the development of a volunteer programme to work against heritage destruction, litter dumping and invasive species.”
A total of EUR9.738 is being allocated to eight projects around the County. The projects include: Burrenbeo Trust, Volunteer Programme to work against heritage destruction, litter dumping and invasive species encroachment (EUR1,700); South West Clare Community Radio Ltd., Grow Your Own (EUR1,200); Ogonnelloe National School Parents Association, Outdoor Classroom (EUR850); Transition Town Ennistymon, Education for the Transition to a Sustainable Low-Carbon Future (EUR1,950); Transition Town Ennis, The Worm Bin Project (EUR238); Killaloe/Ballina Family Resource Centre, Establishing Killaloe Community Garden (EUR1,950); Mol an Óige Steiner National School Ennistymon, Outdoor ClassrooM (EUR850); and Flynn-Furney Environmental Consultants Cratloe, Environmental Awareness Community Workshop Programme (EUR1,000).
“Through the provision and development of environmental initiatives in these eight Clare communities, the fund encourages action and innovation - enveloping new members into sustainable lifestyles and developing sustainable communities”, concluded Minister of State Killeen.
