Over 120 communities across Ireland have committed to developing long-term energy plans with the assistance of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

A total of 124 communities are now part of SEAI's Sustainable Energy Communities network.

The network has doubled in size in 2017, as momentum gathers in the move to more sustainable energy systems. SEAI and the network members met at the Sustainable Energy Communities conference in Athlone.

The communities heard from energy experts and peers about the different approaches and challenges in progressing their sustainable energy plans. The network members influence a collective energy spend of approximately €500 million and are already benefitting from lower energy bills, more comfortable buildings, a boost in local employment, as well as helping the environment.

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Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI said: "It is encouraging to see more and more communities join what is now truly a national movement. These communities are at the forefront of Ireland’s clean energy transition. The next phase of our energy transition simply will not happen without citizens and communities taking the lead. Our Sustainable Energy Community network builds knowledge and confidence in communities across the country, putting the power firmly in the hands of communities by providing them with the support to lower their energy use and avail of local renewable energy sources. With €28 million in support funding available for community energy projects in 2018, mobilized communities with good projects will be able to deliver significant impact next year to benefit their locality."