Five projects are set to receive funding from the Glas Communities Fund created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Ornua and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The objective of the €200,000 fund is to back innovative solutions which are working to build green sustainable communities in Ireland.
Each project will receive a cash grant and a place on a comprehensive six-month Accelerator Programme, which will focus on equipping the projects to scale, so they can strengthen their impact in their communities.
The five projects are:
- Community Hydration Hub Network Expansion - This Refill Ireland project works with communities to create a cleaner environment by providing complimentary drinking water and removing the need for single-use plastic water bottles.
- CENTENNIAL – This DCU Water Institute project will mobilise citizen scientists to go out and monitor their local waterways. Groups will be trained, equipped and supported to collect data on their local waterways using a water testing kit and an app.
- Cyclist.ie - Cyclist.ie comprises 27 groups, with 20 based in rural Ireland. Their Rural Cycling Vision aims to make all rural areas bicycle friendly.
- Exploring and Enhancing Place: This Burrenbeo Trust initiative aims to support people understand more about their local community through 'place-based' learning.
- Green Sod Ireland Environmental Education Project: This project provides educational workshops for local businesses about the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
Pádraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager at Rethink Ireland, said: "These organisations are using innovative solutions to promote environmental sustainability in their communities and beyond. Sustainability is integral to the future of Ireland's growth, and we are calling on like-minded organisations to get in touch and support green transition funding via Rethink Ireland.
"We look forward to seeing the positive impact the Glas Communities Fund will make in supporting the awardees to strengthen their impact. We want to thank Ornua for showing leadership on this fund."
Eva Griffin, Sustainability & CSR Specialist, said Ornua is delighted to support the Glas Communities Fund. "Our cooperative ethos is at the heart of who we are and how we do business. As one of Ireland’s leading dairy companies, we fully appreciate the need to protect our environment. The Glas Communities Fund will support the awardees in the great work they are doing to promote environmental sustainability."
