Limerick City and County Council is inviting Transition Year students across the city and county to take part in a major new climate action initiative after securing $50,000 (€43,000) in funding through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund.
The programme will empower young people aged 15 to 24 to design and deliver practical environmental projects that address climate challenges in their schools, communities and neighbourhoods.
As one of just 300 cities worldwide selected for the initiative, Limerick will provide funding and support for youth-led projects that contribute to sustainability, biodiversity, waste reduction, community greening, climate awareness, active travel and environmental resilience.
The Council is particularly encouraging Transition Year students to become involved through their schools and is inviting teachers and school leaders to engage with the programme and explore opportunities for student participation.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran said:
"Transition Year gives students a year to step back and work out who they are and what they care about, before the exam cycle kicks back into gear.
Climate change is the defining challenge of this generation; it's not one they created, but one they'll ultimately be tasked to resolve.
Those of us with grey hairs don't have a monopoly on good ideas—more often than not, it's young people who see the future most clearly.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Tom Ruddle said:
"This initiative gives young people a genuine opportunity to influence positive change in their local communities. Transition Year is the ideal time for students to develop leadership skills, engage in civic participation and bring forward innovative ideas.
"I have no doubt that students across Limerick will embrace this opportunity and deliver projects that will benefit their schools, communities and the wider environment."
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said:
"Climate action requires participation from every generation and this programme places young people at the centre of that effort. Through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, we can support students in developing practical solutions that contribute to local environmental objectives.
"We look forward to working with schools, teachers and young people across Limerick as they bring forward projects that will have a lasting positive impact on their communities."
The Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund supports municipalities worldwide in empowering young people to design, lead and deliver environmental initiatives. Participating cities that successfully implement projects may also become eligible for additional funding to expand youth-led climate action programmes.
Teachers, principals and Transition Year coordinators interested in learning more about the programme can contact Kieran Reeves at Limerick City and County Council by emailing kieran.reeves@limerick.ie.
Further details on project eligibility, application timelines and funding opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
