SEAI event celebrates Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Communities
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) showcased ten years of sustainable energy communities across Ireland this weekend. Hosted by comedian and professional climate-change worrier Colm Regan, the conference ‘SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities National Gathering 2025: Celebrating 10 Years of Local Energy Action’ recognised the positive impact of community-led climate action and highlighted the key achievements of Ireland’s 1000-strong Sustainable Energy Community network.
Addressing the event, Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, Marie Donnelly said:
“Sustainable Energy Communities have huge potential to not just address climate goals, but to bring people together as we transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy. The work done on the ground and the stories of change are what will drive Ireland forward towards a healthier and more sustainable future.”
SEAI’s Sustainable Energy Community Programme empowers communities to take control of their energy use through access to funding, expert support, and peer learning. Each community works locally to use energy responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of that community following the programmes guiding principles; aiming to be as energy efficient as possible, use renewable energy where feasible and consider smart energy solutions.
Among the projects celebrated over the weekend were the Aran Islands Energy Co-op SEC*, who were one of the first communities to join the SEAI Sustainable Energy Community network in 2015 and among the first to complete an Energy Master Plan. The community is working towards becoming self-sufficient in locally generated renewable energy and eliminating dependence on oil, coal, and gas. SEAI has supported numerous home energy upgrades on the islands and hosted Ireland’s first electric vehicle trial there. The Aran Islands demonstrate how an engaged island community can create a long-term vision for a sustainable energy future and the importance of resident involvement.
William Walsh, CEO of SEAI said:
“All across Ireland, we are seeing inspiring communities come together to play their part in reducing emissions and supporting our national journey to net-zero. I’m delighted to be in Portlaoise for the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities National Gathering 2025, to highlight and celebrate the positive change that can be achieved when communities unite around a shared vision.
Climate action must happen at every level—through Government policy, local initiatives, and individual choices. Communities have a unique and powerful role in encouraging positive action, engaging their community, and supporting the shift to more sustainable ways of heating our homes, travelling, and using energy.
Ireland’s Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target of growing our network to 1,500 Sustainable Energy Communities by 2030. This grassroots momentum is essential to our transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future.”
The event recognised and celebrated the efforts of local communities to champion sustainability initiatives in their everyday lives. There are now over 1000 Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) of varying sizes and from locations right across the country, highlighting that all communities have a role to play in Ireland’s journey to net-zero.
The event was also attended by many of the local and national enablers of Sustainable Energy Communities, vital in supporting community-led sustainable energy action including the Department of Climate, Energy & the Environment, Local Authority Climate Action teams and other community organisations.
About SEAI
SEAI is the expert authority on decarbonising Ireland’s energy system, using robust, objective data and an evidence-based approach to help inform policy development and energy user behaviours. SEAI empowers households, businesses, motorists and the public sector to move away from fossil fuels with practical advice and financial supports. We encourage positive changes in how Ireland uses energy to deliver a more prosperous, energy efficient and cleaner environment
SEAI is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
SEC Projects include:
Glinsk SEC
Glinsk SEC, in County Galway, aims to create an energy-aware community by promoting sustainable energy use across all sectors. This community-driven initiative includes input from local groups such as the GAA club, Community Development Society, National School, and various other community organisations. The SEC initially focused on renovating community buildings to improve energy efficiency and comfort, alongside promoting home retrofits in the area.
Connecting Cabra SEC
Connecting Cabra, based in Dublin, was established to empower locals to take climate action at a community level. The group recognises that climate-related issues—such as fuel poverty, active transport, accessibility and mobility, biodiversity, green spaces, and the circular economy—are all interconnected. Recent projects include sustainable energy information events and participation in a European Citizen-Led Renovation initiative. They have also enhanced biodiversity by introducing a pond and launching projects to support swifts and bats. Connecting Cabra is working closely with local authorities on a flood alleviation project and a greening initiative that encourages tree planting in front gardens and public spaces.
Aran Islands Energy Co-op SEC
The Aran Islands was one of the first communities to join the SEAI Sustainable Energy Community network in 2015 and among the first to complete an Energy Master Plan. The community is working towards becoming self-sufficient in locally generated renewable energy and eliminating dependence on oil, coal, and gas. SEAI has supported numerous home energy upgrades on the islands and hosted Ireland’s first electric vehicle trial there. The Aran Islands demonstrate how an engaged island community can create a long-term vision for a sustainable energy future and the importance of resident involvement.
West Kerry Dairy Farmers’ SEC
The West Kerry Dairy Farmers’ SEC aims to build a vibrant community of sustainable, energy-efficient dairy farmers. Their mission includes increasing resilience, reducing costs and carbon emissions, and becoming a model for other rural farming communities. They are expanding their knowledge of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources on farms and building a network of actively engaged farmers. So far, 120 West Kerry dairy farmers have joined. A key focus is understanding energy use in dairy parlours, supported by farm surveys and energy audits.
Clonbullogue SEC
Located in County Offaly, Clonbullogue SEC comprises residents and community groups and has completed an Energy Master Plan for the area. The Clonbullogue GAA Club received support from the Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund to install lighting for a safe, floodlit walking track and to enable nighttime training. Funding also supported the installation of solar panels on the clubhouse roof to power the floodlights and heat water for post-training showers.
Wexford Town SEC
Wexford Town SEC is a volunteer group aiming to make the town more sustainable for all by ‘thinking global, acting local’. They provide advice to homeowners, businesses, and residents on becoming more energy-conscious and strive to make the transition to a sustainable community as easy and inclusive as possible. From the findings of their SEAI-funded Energy Master Plan, they understood that retrofitting their town’s housing stock, and fuel poverty, were two core energy issues for the area. Wexford Town SEC then decided to focus on driving awareness and applications of SEAI’s Warmer Homes Scheme. A local ‘Energy Champion’ promoted and supported over 100 applications into the fully-funded home energy retrofitting programme.
Kilcormac Development Association SEC
The Kilcormac Development Association (KDA), in County Offaly, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the betterment of Kilcormac – a town shaped by its strong ties to Bord na Mona, now facing the challenges of a Just Transition. KDA has partnered with various education providers such as LOETB, TUS and Coláiste Naomh Cormac to develop skill-building programmes for the green economy. They aim to develop renewable energy projects to create local employment and have hosted two home energy retrofit events since forming their SEC in 2024.
Tipp Town SEC
The Tipperary Town SEC was established in 2020 to address challenges affecting the town’s development. Tipperary Town SEC has created and is implementing a Strategy and Action Plan to revitalise the area, ensuring that principles of sustainability are embedded into future development projects. They have completed their Energy Master Plan, conducted over 40 energy audits, and engaged extensively with the community.
Balbriggan SEC
Balbriggan Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) aims to build an energy-efficient and resilient community through knowledge sharing, community-led renewable energy, and nature-based solutions. They completed their Energy Master Plan in April 2024 and have carried out several local energy retrofit projects, including upgrades to the Football Club and Meals on Wheels centre.
Kilcock SEC
Kilcock SEC seeks to position the town as a leader in Ireland’s sustainable energy transition by fostering community collaboration. They completed their Energy Master Plan in 2023 and have hosted energy clinics and conducted feasibility studies for a community-owned renewable energy project.
