Over €500k in funding for projects across west Limerick helps to ‘strengthen local resilience’

A TOTAL of 30 community-led projects across west Limerick and north Kerry will share over half a million euro from SSE’s wind-powered community fund.

This year’s funding totals nearly €510,000 and has been awarded across two streams of support – the Local Community Fund which assists small-scale initiatives making a difference locally, and a newly-introduced Major Projects Fund.

Among the major projects awarded is Killeedy Eco Park, which has received over €23,000 to develop a sustainable outdoor classroom within the park. Built using environmentally friendly materials, the project will provide an inclusive learning space that supports education, climate awareness and biodiversity, while enhancing the long‑term sustainability of the park.

Highlighting the importance of the fund’s impact, Jack O’Connor, PRO of Killeedy Eco Park, said: “We are proud to advance the next phase of development at Killeedy Eco Park.”

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“This investment in a sustainable outdoor classroom builds on our earlier projects, including an off‑grid solar PV system and outdoor recreational equipment, and strengthens our commitment to climate action, renewable energy and the long‑term sustainability of the park – ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming space for future generations.”

Other funded projects include solar PV installations, battery storage systems, and energy‑ efficiency upgrades for community facilities. These initiatives help organisations to not only reduce their carbon emissions but also improve their energy affordability through lower operating costs and the opportunity to reinvest cost savings into other services.

As one of Ireland’s largest developers and operators of renewable energy, SSE Renewables believes in sharing the value of its projects with local communities.

The funding has been made available from SSE’s Athea, Dromada, Rathcahill, Tournafulla and Lenamore wind farms and supports community ‑led initiatives driving positive, long‑lasting change in the region.

The award brings the company’s total contribution to groups in west Limerick and north Kerry to over €3.75 million since 2008 – marking a significant milestone in community investment by the renewable energy company.

Commenting on the awards, Jacqueline Durnin, Community Investment manager at SSE Renewables, said:

“At SSE Renewables, we are committed to supporting the communities closest to our operations and to empowering locally led projects that make a long lasting difference. The West Limerick and North Kerry Community Fund continues to support initiatives that strengthen local resilience, promote climate action and enhance quality of life. It is encouraging to see such a strong pipeline of ambitious projects that will deliver lasting benefits for communities across the region.”

The awarded projects include: Newcastle West RFC, Athea Playground Committee, Monagea GAA club, Abbeyfeale United FC, Athea Community Council Ltd, Tournafulla Camogie club, Mountcollins AFC, St Itas AFC, Knocknasna NS, St Bridgid's NS Parents Council, Templeglantine Community First Responders, Mountcollins Community Centre, Abbeyfeale Boys NS - StMary's, Fr Caseys GAA club, Kantoher Development Group, Healthy Athea, St Kierans GAA club, Athea Community Arts Group, Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann - Tuar an Fola and Tournafulla Sustainable Living.