An additional €10 million has been allocated in grant supports for community energy projects next year by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

A total of €30 million is on offer, a 50% rise in funding from the 2016 grants.

SEAI's Better Energy Communities programme supports new approaches to achieving high quality improvements in energy efficiency.

The programme focuses on improving the energy efficiency of Ireland's building stock and supporting the use of renewable energy.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD said: "Using less energy and using it more efficiently is key to tackling the global challenge of climate change. By supporting community energy projects for homeowners, communities and private sector organisations we can demonstrate to everybody the real and practical benefits of energy efficiency. It also reduces the amount of money we spend on imported fossil fuels and instead ensures that this money supports local employment throughout the country."

-- Advertisement --

Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI said: "For 2017 we are particularly interested to hear from smaller communities, with smaller projects, that may only be starting out on their sustainable energy journey. We are also providing additional incentives to encourage multiple upgrades in homes that achieve very high performance. All communities with an interest in advancing Ireland’s transition to sustainable energy should contact us to see how we can help – with grant support or simply advice. We will be running workshops nationwide for interested community groups over the coming weeks."

(CD)