Over 700 sustainable energy communities across Ireland are reaping the benefits of ditching expensive and harmful fossil fuels for renewables.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, which provides mentoring and funding to help communities achieve sustainable energy ambitions, has transformed a community building, school and homes in Co Louth.
Now they are calling on other groups across to take advantage of grants to heat and power their homes in a more climate friendly way.
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Eleven small bungalows and a community building were recently upgraded in Rath Abbey, Louth with heat pumps, attic and cavity wall insulation, new windows and doors, and more.
Homeowner, Stanley Wilson, said: “When the retrofit idea came up, one thing that wasn’t strange to me was the heat pump idea. I knew how they worked.
“The heat pump went in, solar panels were fitted, insulation was added to the roof and the walls, and all the doors and windows were replaced.
“I feel better. The whole house is warm, with no oil and no coal, happy days.”
Peter Savage of Grange Housing Association, Co Louth added: “It’s not only a question of improving the facilities here but it is a case of keeping rents at a level that the elderly can afford.
“They’ll still have the same rents, and they will be getting a warmer house.
“These upgrades will comfortably take us to 2030 in accordance with building regulations and comfort of the houses for the elderly.”
Alisha McGarity, Cooley SEC member and transition year student at Bush Post Primary School, Co Louth said: “I got involved when Eugene Conlon (Energy Team Manager) and Gerry Reaburn (Dunleer SEC) came to our school and told us about what they were doing within our local community and peninsula.
“They asked if we wanted to join the Sustainable Energy Community.
“A lot of people got involved including teachers and students.”
Over 700 Sustainable Energy Communities across Ireland are now driving the energy revolution through community projects.
Communities who sign up to the SEAI’s community network are taking control of their energy future by establishing a path to lowering their energy use and climate impact.
SEAI says many have completed energy upgrades in homes, businesses, and public and community building, while others are looking to larger-scale renewable sources of energy to benefit their area.
Speaking about the growth of the sustainable energy community network, SEAI’s Declan Meally, said: “Communities have a leading role to play in reaching our national climate ambition.
“They are at the heart of the energy revolution and what we see here in these community projects is something that can be replicated right across the country.
“Communities that understand how they use energy in their heat, transport and electricity can act on this by doing certain projects such as insulating their homes, and their community buildings, while helping others to understand where energy infrastructure is needed.
“It is vital communities are involved and are the ones helping to lead the way.
“We have over 700 Sustainable Energy Communities right across Ireland that are learning, planning, and doing this work as we speak. It is great to see their replication, but we need more action in this area.
“It is fantastic to see what communities can deliver.”
Further information on the network and how to get involved is available here.
