Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
154. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which local authorities will assist in delivering START programme projects in Kildare north, particularly in the Clane-Maynooth area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14770/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of planning and development, the Maynooth and Environs Joint Local Area Plan 2025 - 2031 was adopted by both Kildare County Council and Meath County Council in February 2025 and places a significant focus on climate action.
It is an objective of the plan to support applications for all climate action projects in Maynooth under the Climate Action Fund, the Community Climate Action programme, the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and all other relevant funding streams. The implementation of this objective at local level is a matter for the relevant planning authorities who are independent in the performance of their functions.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) leads on the JTF at national level, while the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) is the Managing Authority. Pobal is responsible for administering the START scheme in collaboration with DCEE and EMRA. Further information on the START scheme was recently published by my colleague the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and can be accessed at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/press-releases/minister-obrien-announces-new-funding-of-almost-35-million-to-underpin-climate-action-in-our-communities/.
