Limerick communities lead the way in Ireland’s green energy transition

LIMERICK is at the forefront of Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future by showing how local communities can drive Ireland’s green transition.

is at the forefront of Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future by showing how local communities can drive Ireland’s green transition.

Across the county, 50 Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) are actively improving energy use, reducing emissions, and creating more resilient neighbourhoods.

Coordinated by Ballyhoura Development and supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), these groups don’t need prior knowledge of energy as expert mentors are there to guide every step of the way.

A SEC can be anything from a single street to an entire county. Each develops an Energy Master Plan (EMP), a roadmap for energy projects, funding, and community action.

In Limerick, 11 EMPs are complete or underway, laying the foundation for real change. Several communities are already making an impact.

Croom Community Development Association is piloting renewable aquathermal heating through the EU’s AquaCOM programme and preparing a Community Climate Action Fund project.

Effin Development Association is finalising its EMP, with energy assessments completed for its community centre and GAA club.
They too are planning a resilience centre.

Glenstal Abbey SEC has completed energy assessments for the castle and accommodation and is exploring aquathermal energy.

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Anglesboro SEC secured full funding for solar panels and a battery system in their hall, while Knocklong Development Association carried out energy assessments for the hall, GAA club, and school, guided by their EMP.

These initiatives show how Limerick communities are taking climate action into their own hands, improving energy efficiency, and building greener, stronger local areas.

Ballyhoura Development continues to support groups across Limerick keen to join the SEC network.
-Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme