Community
Sustainable Energy Communities
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) runs the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme which is focused on empowering communities. Under the programme, SECs can sign up to a three-year partnership where they will be supported and guided by SEAI mentors through planning for their energy future.
Community Building Case Study
View a real world example of a energy upgraded community building, showing the types of energy, carbon and financial savings upgrading a community building can bring.
Community Grant List
There are a range of energy upgrade grants available to your community from retrofitting your community buildings to installing renewable energy systems. Click on the arrow to learn more about each grant.
Community Climate Action Program
The Community Climate Action Programme, administered by the Local Authorities, provides funding and support for projects and initiatives that promote community climate action through education, capacity building, and practical implementation.
The Community Climate Action Programme, led by each County Council in partnership with the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications, will aim to support both rural and urban communities in taking climate action at a local level.
The program has two strands. Strand 1, titled “Building Low Carbon Communities,” for projects that directly impact climate action. Communities across Ireland will collaborate with the council to implement these projects.
Strand 1a, known as the “Shared Island Community Climate Action,” allows communities and local authorities to undertake cross-border projects in partnership with communities in Northern Ireland. Unlike strand 1, funding for strand 1a is not automatically allocated to local authorities and is open for all communities to apply.
Eligible communities must be not-for-profit organizations they should be registered with a Public Participation Network (PPN) or affiliated with other collectives such as the Wheel, Tidy Towns, or community groups with Articles of Association or a Constitution. Approved minutes of their meetings must be available.
Projects eligible for funding should demonstrate the delivery of national climate action at a local level for strand 1, while strand 1a projects should have a cross-border impact across the island of Ireland. The program encompasses five themes: home/energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, and local climate and environmental action. Communities are encouraged to incorporate as many themes as possible in their projects.
Funding is available to cover 100% of the project costs, with three eligible project sizes: small-scale projects (< €20,000), medium-scale projects (€20,000 to €50,000), and large-scale projects (€51,000 to €100,000).
Project ideas should be shared with the Community Climate Action Officer in the council. Expression of Interest forms and supporting documents will be submitted during the application window. For more information click on your Local Authority
Leader Rural Development Programme
Community groups promoting community enterprises, local amenity projects and community services can receive up to 75% of capital costs for projects from the local rural development company.
The LEADER Programme accepts applications based on projects which improve:
- rural tourism
- enterprise development
- broadband
- basic services targeted at hard-to-reach communities
- rural youth
- protection and sustainable use of water resources
- local biodiversity
- renewable energy
The programme is administered at a local level by 29 local action groups. These contain local representatives from the community, public and private sector. An initial allocation of €20 million is being made available for the delivery of the Transitional LEADER Programme.
SEAI Community Energy Grant Programme
Community and voluntary organisations can receive funding of 30% of capital costs for energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes through this scheme. This figure could rise to 50% following SEAI approval.
Works must be paid in full, and the grant is refunded by SEAI. No works should commence until grant has been confirmed by SEAI after the application has been submitted. An energy audit is required for all grant applications to SEAI. An Energy Audit should include all relevant information requested at application stage.
Projects must be community orientated with a focus on cross-sectoral approach. Successful Community projects must demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics.
- Community benefits
- Multiple elements, not a single focus
- Mix of sustainable solutions
- Innovation and project ambition
- Justified energy savings
- An ability to deliver the project
The following list outlines the types of measures that SEAI want to support through the Communities grant program:
- Building Fabric Upgrades
- Technology and System upgrades
- Integration of renewable energy sources
- Domestic Combined Fabric Upgrade
- Single Building Demonstration projects will be considered under the Communities Grant
It is recommended that prospective fund applicants check for the latest processes and funding levels at the time of enquiry. The latest information available at the time of publication of this document can be accessed here.
Town & Village Renewal Scheme
The Scheme is targeted at towns and villages with a population of 10,000 or less and all projects funded under the Scheme must be completed within a 12 to 18 month period.
This fund will open later this year. A list of the measures supported in the last call are listed below.
Measures that will be supported by the 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme include:
- Tackling dereliction in town centres
- Turning vacant properties into remote working and multi-use community spaces
- Investing in town centre living
- Investing in amenities to make town centre living more attractive
- Upgrading and improving shop fronts and streetscapes on Main Streets
- Projects that support and enhance the night-time economy and add vibrancy to town centres
For the 2024 Scheme, the minimum grant available is €20,000. The maximum level of grant funding available is being raised to €500,000 in respect of one application from each Local Authority. A maximum of €250,000 will apply in respect of four applications. Two applications must be in respect of Towns/Villages that have not previously received funding under the Standard Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Rural Regeneration & Development Fund
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a commitment of €1 billion by government to be invested in rural Ireland over the period 2019 to 2027. The Fund is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The purpose of the fund is to support job creation in rural areas, address de-population of rural communities and support improvements in our towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas. Initial funding of €315 million has been allocated to the fund on a phased basis over the period 2019 to 2022.
Proposals are being invited from Local Authorities, and other locally/regionally based organisations, such as Local Development Companies, as well as government departments and State agencies. For the purpose of accountability and oversight, the lead partner of all projects must be a State funded body, but collaboration with the private sector is encouraged.
Proposals may be made in respect of towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer and their outlying areas. A limited number of specified towns with a population of 10,000 or fewer will be eligible for support under the Urban Regeneration Fund which is being operated by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; however, funding will only be provided under one fund for any particular project.
Click here for more information
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Grant
Established in 2016, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. This scheme helps to make use of the resources of the countryside that contribute to healthy active lifestyles. It supports the economic and tourism potential of the area for both local communities and tourist visitors alike.
The aim of this scheme is to fund:
- Development, extensions and repair of trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways
- Improved access to leisure or recreational facilities
- Development of outdoor recreational infrastructure
Applications are accepted from local authorities and/or state agencies under the following measures:
- Measure 1: small-scale maintenance/promotional and marketing projects to include grant aid amounts of up to €30,000.
- Measure 2: medium-scale repair/upgrade and new trail/amenity development grant amounts of up to €200,000
- Measure 3: large-scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail development grant amounts of over €200,000 and up to €500,000
Community Enhancement Programme
The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides capital funding to community groups across Ireland. This allows these groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas.
The 2020 CEP was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and provided €7 million of grant funding towards enhancing the facilities available to communities. The Programme has a focus on supporting groups in disadvantaged areas. Typical enhancements under the CEP include:
- IT and CCTV equipment
- Minor improvements to buildings
- Minor renovation of community centres
- Development of community amenities
- Purchase of equipment for community usage.
- Improvements to town parks, common areas and energy-saving projects
The CEP is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.
Click here to find your Local Community Development Committee
Green Club Programme
The Green Club Programme aims to support Gaelic Games clubs in implementing sustainable practices, specifically in the area of energy. The programme provides resources, guidance, and case studies tailored to GAA clubs and members to promote energy efficiency and conservation.
During Phase 1 of the programme, over 30 participating clubs established Green Teams, conducted club audits, and engaged in sustainability partnerships and projects. Their experiences contributed to the development of the GAA’s Green Club Toolkit.
The Green Club Toolkit, launched in December 2022, offers clubs and members information and advice on energy-related initiatives. It includes practical case studies from Green Clubs across Ireland, showcasing successful energy-saving measures and strategies.
The Green Club Programme is a collaboration between the GAA, LGFA, Camogie Association, and local authorities in Ireland. It emerged from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champions Programme and involves partnerships between the GAA, local authorities, and Climate Action Regional Offices. For more details https://learning.gaa.ie/GreenClub
SEAI Non-Domestic Microgen Grant
The Non-Domestic Microgen Grant (NDMG) provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. This technology reduces commercial electricity costs and increases security of supply, while enhancing a positive sustainability image. Grant funding is available for systems up to a maximum 1000kWp.
Who can apply?
This grant is available to:
- Businesses
- The agricultural sector
- Public sector bodies
- Schools
- Community centres
- Non-profit societies
Planning Permission Exemptions for rooftop solar panels on homes and other buildings (October 2022):
For solar panel installations on rooftops of all other existing classes of development (Industrial; Light Industrial and Business Premises; Agricultural, Apartments; educational building/ health centre or hospital/ recreational or sports facility/ place of worship/ community facility or centre/ library/ certain public utility sites): rooftop solar installations covering the entire roof are exempt from requiring planning permission.
However, in the 43 designated Solar Safeguarding Zones, a rooftop limit remains:
Exemptions for wall-mounted and free-standing solar panel installations: free-standing solar panel installations for houses are exempted from the requirement to obtain planning permission subject to a 25 square metre area limit and conditions requiring a certain amount of private open space to be maintained for the use of occupants.
SEAI Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH)
This support scheme provides financial support to help businesses move to renewable heating.
Supports available for renewable heating systems
There are two different financial supports available when your business switches to renewable heat. The financial supports include:
- Operational support for a biomass and biogas heating systems
- An installation grant for a commercial heat pump.
Who can apply
SSRH is open to commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating, public sector and other non-domestic heat users.
Applicants must be able to show:
- conversion from fossil fuels
- eligible heat use (space heating or process)
- compliance with eco-design standards
- heating system design according to building regulations and other relevant regulations
- qualified designers who are competent to carry out works
- that recipients of payments meet tax clearance requirements