Louth community benefits from SEAI Sustainable Energy Community Funds

ABOVE: Back row (L-R): Gerry Raeburn (Dunleer SEC), Fr Malachy Conlon (Cooley Parish Priest), Eugene Conlon (Energy Team), Pat McCann (Cooley SEC) and Declan Meally (SEAI); Middle row (L-R): Auveen Lynch (SEAI), Sheena Gartland (Bush Post Primary School); Front row (L-R): Students from Bush Post Primary School

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), in association with the Rath Abbey Housing Association, has helped a local community in Louth achieve major home and building upgrades through the SEAI’s Sustainable Energy Communities Network.

Eleven small bungalows and one community building were recently upgraded in the Rath Abbey area with support from SEAI community energy grants and funding from the SE Systems Community Fund. Upgrades in the area included solar PVs, heat pumps, attic and cavity wall insulation, and new windows and doors. These upgrades will result in more comfortable homes, reduced energy bills and an increase in energy awareness and sustainability amongst the community. 

There are now over 700 Sustainable Energy Communities across Ireland that are 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 provides mentoring and funding to help communities achieve their sustainable energy ambitions. Many have completed energy upgrades in homes, businesses, and public and community buildings. Others are looking to larger-scale renewable sources of energy to benefit their area.  

Speaking about the growth of the sustainable energy community network, Declan Meally, Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport at SEAI 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 that 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.”  

Peter Savage of Grange Housing Association, Co. Louth noted: “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.”  

Stanley Wilson, homeowner added: “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.” 

Alisha McGarity, Cooley SEC member and transition year student at Bush Post Primary School, Co. Louth spoke about her involvement in a Sustainable Energy Community: 

“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.”  

The SEAI invites more communities to join the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) network and encourages existing community groups to avail of SEAI’s community energy grants for their future projects. Further information on the network and how to get involved is available on the SEAI Sustainable Energy Community webpage here: www.seai.ie/community-energy/ sustainable-energy- communities/