Community-Led Climate Action In Dún Laoghaire
Green Kite in Partnership with Community Foundation Ireland
More than a quarter million euro has been invested in community-led climate, biodiversity and circular economy initiatives across Dún Laoghaire, with Green Kite helping to unlock funding, partnerships and support for projects that are improving the environment while strengthening local communities.
New and Established Projects
Working in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, Green Kite has supported 12 community-led projects spanning biodiversity, marine stewardship, circular economy, environmental education and community wellbeing.
From a floating aquaponics pontoon and native oyster restoration project to a new wheelchair accessible electric boat for Dún Laoghaire Harbour, these initiatives demonstrate how local innovation can deliver lasting environmental, social and community benefit.
The investment includes direct project funding, additional funding leveraged from partners and public bodies, and programme support that has helped turn local ideas into action.
The funding will support a mix of new and established projects that are helping to create a more sustainable, connected and resilient Dún Laoghaire, including:
· A pioneering aquaponics initiative that will create a floating learning pontoon in Dún Laoghaire Harbour and a public education pod on the East Pier.
· An oyster restoration project whose 18,000 native oysters already filter an estimated 3.4 million litres of harbour water every day.
· A new circular economy initiative helping families exchange and access pre-loved baby items.
· Biodiversity projects supporting swift conservation, community food growing and outdoor nature-based education for children.
· Expanded bicycle upcycling and volunteering programmes that promote inclusion, skills development and active travel.
The projects demonstrate the growing momentum behind community-led environmental action across Dún Laoghaire and highlight Green Kite’s role as a catalyst for practical, positive change.
Speaking about the programme Mary Lovegrove of Green Kite said:
“It’s really encouraging to see more funders and partners recognising the value of community-led climate action.
There is no shortage of people in Dún Laoghaire with great ideas and a desire to make a difference.
Sometimes all they need is a little support or someone willing to back an idea. These projects show what’s possible when local people are trusted to lead.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said:
“These community partnerships are turning our mission to mobilise strategic philanthropy to advance equality, strengthen communities and protect climate and nature into action.
Innovative and pioneering, the projects both new and established are working towards a fairer and more sustainable future.
Congratulations to Green Kite for this latest chapter, and for demonstrating ambition, courage and leadership for others to follow.”
Green Kite is supporting a diverse group of local organisations and schools working across community, sustainability, biodiversity, inclusion and the circular economy, including:
1. Community Roots
2. Community Connect, Ireland’s Baby Bank
3. Amazon Aquaponics
4. Green Ocean Oyster Project
5. BirdWatch Ireland
6. Flossie and the Beach Cleaners
7. Fibreshed Ireland
8. The Bike Hub
9. Boat Hub
10. Dalkey School Project & the SCAIP Project
11. The Harold School, Glasthule
12. Dún Laoghaire Educate Together National School
About Green Kite
Green Kite is a Dún Laoghaire-based social enterprise that supports community-led sustainability. We believe that strong communities are essential to creating a more sustainable future. Through funding, strategic support, partnerships and networks, Green Kite helps local people and organisations turn good ideas into action. Working across areas including biodiversity, climate action, marine stewardship and the circular economy, we back projects that strengthen communities, support the environment and create lasting local impact www.greenkite.ie
About Community Foundation Ireland
Community Foundation Ireland and its donors are on a mission to mobilise strategic philanthropy to advance equality, strengthen communities and protect our nature and environment. We do so with over 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners who share our values of integrity, collaboration, courage as well as excellence and impact. We use our skills and knowledge developed over 25 years to help donors turn aspirations into effective investments working with individuals, families, corporates, other trusts and foundations and Government to translate giving in the moment to giving that is strategic, sustainable and impactful. Our mission is supported by three interwoven strategic priorities of; People (securing a fairer future), Place (strengthening communities) and Planet (protecting climate and nature).