Mayo's Mary Robinson Centre selected to lead ‘food facilitators’ initiative

The Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina has been named as a successful applicant for the government's Creative Climate Action Fund III.

The facility will lead a Shared Island ‘food facilitators’ programme to support artists, scientists, growers, and communities to reimagine local food systems.

This initiative will bring together artists, scientists, growers, and communities from across the island to reimagine local food systems and build collaborative climate action.

A spokesperson for the centre stated: "We are delighted to be one of only 11 organisations selected for this record €7.6 million fund, which supports creative, cultural, and artistic projects that empower communities to participate in climate action.

"Our project is one of two cross-border initiatives supported under the Shared Island strand of the Programme, reflecting our commitment to cooperation and mutual understanding across the island of Ireland.

"The programme builds on The Mary Robinson Centre's long-standing dedication to climate justice and community engagement.

"By placing food systems at the heart of our work, we aim to create new pathways for artists, scientists, and local communities to work together on practical solutions that are both sustainable and inclusive."

Following an open call and evaluation process, a total of 11 organisations will lead creative, cultural and artistic climate action initiatives across the country.

The fund is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Department of the Taoiseach, and national electricity grid operator, EirGrid.

These projects build on the success of two previous Creative Climate Action funds and represent the largest single investment under the initiative to date.

Each of the successful projects will receive up to a maximum of €750,000 over the four-year period of 2026 to 2029.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “Communities across the island of Ireland have already witnessed the impact of climate change.

"This partnership between the Shared Island Initiative and the Creative Climate Action Fund facilitates engagement on a cross-border basis to help respond to and tackle this essential shared challenge.

"I welcome the inclusion of these two significant projects which will harness the power of culture and creativity to bring people together and help build a better, sustainable, shared future.”