Embracing the 2025 Theme: ‘Our Power, Our Planet’
This Earth Day, Cavan County Council proudly stands alongside communities worldwide, championing the 2025 theme: ‘Our Power, Our Planet.’ With a long-standing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, the local authority continues to drive forward initiatives that reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and foster stronger connections with nature.
Ongoing Projects
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Tree Planting Campaigns
Partnering with schools and community groups to plant native trees across the county, enhancing biodiversity and capturing carbon. This project not only benefits the environment but also provides a sense of community and shared responsibility among local residents. •
Eco-friendly Workshops
Regular public workshops on composting, energy efficiency, and waste reduction help residents adopt sustainable habits. By educating the public, Cavan County Council aims to empower individuals to make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives. •
Spring Clean Month
As part of National Spring Clean, the council supports residents, community groups, and Tidy Towns volunteers in litter picks and clean-ups across Cavan. This collaborative effort promotes community pride and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment. •
Green Transportation Initiatives
Promoting walking, cycling, and public transport while expanding EV charging infrastructure to reduce fossil fuel reliance. By investing in these initiatives, Cavan County Council encourages residents to adopt more sustainable modes of transportation.
Empowering Communities Through Funding
In 2024, the Cavan County Council committed over €771,961.44 to local climate action under the Community Climate Action Programme:
- Strand 1: Building Low Carbon Communities
- €439,000 was awarded to 17 community groups to implement projects focused on energy, travel, food, and waste, recycling, and local environmental action.
- Strand 1a: Shared Island Community Climate Action
- €332,961.14 was awarded to five cross-border projects involving 10 community groups from Cavan and Northern Ireland, promoting cooperation on climate action across communities.
These grants support a wide range of projects, including:
- Installation of solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades
- Creation of bike parking and promotion of active travel
- Tree planting and biodiversity enhancement
- Water conservation, repair cafés, and recycling initiatives
The goal of this funding is to empower communities to shape a sustainable, low-carbon future and contribute to Ireland’s national climate and energy targets.
Progress on Renewable Energy
Cavan County Council continues to back the local energy transition through practical, people-focused programmes. One key initiative is the Retrofit Ready programme, delivered by Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) and supported by the council. This programme empowers homeowners and community groups with the knowledge, support, and tools to plan and undertake deep energy retrofits, reducing energy bills, improving home comfort, and lowering emissions. The council also champions local business leadership through the Green for Business programmes and the Energy Efficiency Grants awarded by the LEO office in Cavan. These programmes support businesses in taking real action to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and transition toward cleaner operations.
Supporting Sustainable Energy Communities
Cavan County Council actively supports all Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) across the county. These community-led groups are central to shaping a local, bottom-up energy transition. From energy audits to project planning, the council provides support and resources to help SECs drive real, measurable change.
What You Can Do
Earth Day takes place annually on April 22 to promote environmental awareness and action worldwide. In Cavan, there are many simple ways you can take part and make a real difference:
• Plant a tree or support local rewilding
• Join ‘Don’t Mow, Let It Grow’ in May to support pollinators
• Avoid harmful chemicals—choose alternatives to pesticides
• Grow native Irish plants to boost local biodiversity
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—minimise waste and rethink your consumption
• Switch to LED bulbs and cut unnecessary energy use
• Walk or cycle more, and reduce car trips when possible
• Buy local food produce where possible
• Join a community group, SEC, or Tidy Towns team
• Learn about renewable energy—solar, heat pumps, and green tariffs
• Adequate a Green Kilometre—help maintain, clean, and plant native trees on a stretch of road
• Use sustainable transport, including Local Link Cavan-Monaghan
Looking Ahead
Earth Day isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. As global efforts ramp up to triple renewable energy by 2030, Cavan County Council will continue to lead by example and support local communities in every step of this transition. The next phase of the Community Climate Action Fund is expected to open later in 2025. Stay up to date by following Cavan County Council on social media.
Join the Movement
Cavan County Council invites you to join the movement towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. By working together, we can make a real difference and create a better world for generations to come. Get involved, share your ideas, and let’s work towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Cavan and beyond.
