A cross-border community programme with the aim of building peace and strengthening community cohesion by addressing the challenges of climate change has been launched by Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) and The Fermanagh Trust.

Supported by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), ‘Empowering Communities for Climate Change’ will work with communities from across Cavan and Fermanagh to tackle some of the most pressing environmental and sustainability issues facing society. The two-year project has received funding of €290,000 from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) under its Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP).

It is projected to work with over 1,000 people drawn from across Catholic, Nationalist, Republican (CNR) and Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist (PUL) communities from both counties. The initiative will deliver a wide-ranging programme including Community Climate Leadership training, Youth Climate Action projects, joint study visits, and the establishment of Climate Action Hubs in Cavan and Enniskillen.

A cross-border Peacebuilding through Climate Change Conference will also serve as a key milestone of the programme, providing a platform for sharing learning and policy engagement. The project highlights that environmental issues are not only ecological, but also social and economic in impact. By sharing experiences and differing approaches between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, communities will explore both policy and practice, and how each jurisdiction’s approach to climate resilience can inform the other.

Anne Conaghan, International Fund for Ireland Board Members said,

“This project presents another important opportunity to bring communities together, harnessing the talent, skills and energies across the board to address one of the most pressing issues facing society that of climate change. Through a strategic partnership approach, it will work collaboratively with rural and urban communities bringing all together, to put in place changes at a grassroots level that will have an immediate and long-lasting impact while also contributing to overall policy across both jurisdictions. The IFI is pleased to play its part, and to support the project through our Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP).” 

Terry Hyland, CEO of Cavan county local development said,

“This initiative recognises the strength of communities when they are supported to act together. Climate action is not just about energy or emissions. It’s about people, inclusion and future resilience. We believe that by working across borders, sharing learning, and building leadership from the ground up, we are not only supporting a more sustainable future but also contributing to lasting peace.”

Lauri McCusker, Director of Fermanagh Trust added,

This initiative is a powerful example of how shared challenges like climate change can bring communities together across traditional divides. By engaging people at a local level and fostering cooperation between communities in Cavan and Fermanagh, we’re not only encouraging environmental responsibility but also strengthening cross-border relationships and building peace. The Fermanagh Trust is proud to be part of this important partnership.”