The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Carnmoney Parish receives funding through competition aimed at cutting carbon emissions

Thursday May 14th 2026

The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev John McDowell, with the 11 winners and runners-up in the Church of Ireland Carbon Reduction Grant Support competition supported by the Benefact Trust. The Rev Andy Heber, vicar of Carnmoney Parish, is second from right at back.

Carnmoney Parish has received a share of funding in a competition aimed at encouraging Church of Ireland parishes across the island to cut carbon emissions in church buildings.

The Connor parish was rewarded for its introduction of LED lighting and control hub.

Carnmoney was one of 11 parishes across the island selected to share in a £200,000 funding pot.

Four main winners each receive funding covering 50 per cent of their project capital cost up to a maximum of £/€50,000. Two of the four are in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe while the others are in Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocese.

The total fund stands at £300,000 with two-thirds of it allocated in this round of funding to the 11 parishes. Funding ranged from £/€4,000 to £/€50,000, depending on project scale.

View full list of winners

Church of Ireland Archbishop and Primate of all Ireland, the Most Rev John McDowell, said the judges were impressed by the entries which reflected a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions in church properties.

Archbishop McDowell said: “Entries came from all over the island which was immensely satisfying from a Church perspective.

“The Church is delighted with the response. Parishes are keen to improve efficiency, thereby reducing environmental impact. This competition serves to underline the desire and commitment across the Church of Ireland to responsible stewardship of buildings, resources and the wider environment.

“The Church of Ireland is deeply indebted to the significant financial support from the Benefact Trust charity which worked alongside our Representative Church Body (RCB) to create this practical and impactful energy efficiency competition.”

RCB Project Manager Dermot Burns said entries in the competition spanned every facet of energy efficiency from an ambitious heating modernisation and sustainability upgrade in the parish of Londonderry/Derry to a self-sustainable church heating and lighting system with renewable solar energy in the Ross Union of parishes in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

“The grant programme encourages innovation in energy efficiency, renewable technologies and sustainable building practices,” Mr Burns said. “Successful projects will demonstrate both environmental benefit and long-term community value, and we look forward to sharing their stories.”

RCB Chief Officer David Ritchie congratulated the winners and the seven additional projects to receive funding.

Mr Ritchie said: “We couldn’t be happier with the level of interest shown by parishes and the feedback we received.

“Entries covered a broad spectrum of initiatives including solar panel installation, carbon reducing heat pump to LED lighting. We have parishes leading the way when it comes to cutting carbon. Their efforts are bearing fruit.

“Overall, the Church of Ireland has 1,000 properties throughout the island and we will continue to do all we can to expand our sustainability ‘footprint’ and leave a meaningful legacy for the next generation.”

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