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Ten Youth Climate Projects funded with €500k investment

13th April 2026
Est. Reading: 2 minutes

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton has announced almost €500,000 in funding for ten youth-led climate justice projects taking place across Ireland in 2026, as part of Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people to lead on climate change within their own communities.

Projects include a mix of national and regional initiatives, including a programme of social innovation in the west of Ireland and a scouting programme centred on Lough Dan Scout and Eco Centre.

The Youth Climate Justice Fund helps young people aged 10 to 25 design and participate in projects that raise awareness, build skills and drive practical action on climate issues within their communities. This year’s projects include:

  • A west of Ireland project strengthening climate literacy, youth leadership and civic engagement through workshops, digital storytelling and collaborative arts.
  • A series of themed events marking Climate Justice Week, culminating in an Earth Gala.
  • A Climate Justice residential for 50 young people led by the National Youth Council of Ireland.
  • A hydrogen education programme delivering an inclusive, hands-on approach to renewable energy to 100 young people.
  • A project focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goal 15(Life on Land), including activities such as bird-box building and conservation tasks.
  • The development and distribution of Climate Justice toolkits for volunteers and youth workers.
  • A sustainable theatre-making initiative promoting environmentally responsible practices in costumes, sets and design.
  • The establishment and development of a Youth Climate Justice Innovation Team at Lough Dan in County Wicklow.

Together, these projects will support climate education, community engagement, awareness campaigns and practical hands-on environmental action across the country.

Since its establishment in 2020, the Youth Climate Justice Fund has provided almost €3.5 million in support to youth-led initiatives underpinned by Government’s continued investment in empowering young people to play an active role in climate action.

Minister Naughton said:

“Government is backing young people with real investment and meaningful opportunities to lead on climate action in their own communities. The Youth Climate Justice Fund demonstrates our commitment to empowering the next generation to move from awareness to action, supporting projects that are practical and rooted in local engagement. These projects show what can be achieved when young people are given the resources to lead.

“I am determined to continue building on this progress, ensuring that young participation and leadership remain central to out national response to climate change, while delivering tangible outcomes for communities across the country.”


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