SSE Renewables awards over €250,000 to Limerick and Kerry community groups

Over quarter of a million euro has been presented to community groups across Munster by SSE Renewables, in the company’s latest round of wind-powered community funding.

A total of €251,000 from the 2023 SSE Renewables Community Funds for West Limerick and North Kerry has been distributed to 64 community groups in the region. This latest contribution brings the overall amount SSE Renewables has contributed to local groups in West Limerick and North Kerry to more than €2.8 million since 2008.

As one of Ireland’s largest developers of renewable energy, SSE Renewables believes in sharing the value of its renewable energy projects with communities. This year, €68,440 has been awarded to 19 community-based projects located near Leanamore Wind Farm in North Kerry. Meanwhile €182,832 has been awarded to 45 community-based projects in West Limerick located near Athea, Dromada, Rathcahill and Tournafulla Wind Farms. The awardees encompassed a diverse range of initiatives aimed at fostering community development, promoting energy efficiency, and enhancing safety measures.

One community development project being supported will contribute to the ongoing transformation of a disused pub, which closed over 20 years ago, into a thriving community hub. The Kantoher Development Group in West Limerick has been granted €100,000 over five years to further advance the conversion of the previously abandoned Ashford Tavern pub on Ashford Village Main Street into a community center. Funding will be used to develop a disused outbuilding beside the community centre into dressing rooms and meeting spaces. It will also be used to make the building energy efficient.

Joe Kelleher, Secretary of Kantoher Development Group said:

“This support signifies a significant milestone in our journey to build a vibrant community hub for all in Ashford. The vision is to make the community more inclusive and help tackle pressing social challenges such as rural isolation. With the help of SSE Renewables, we are continuing to develop the community and breathing new life into a neglected space.”

In North Kerry, Lenamore National School has been awarded a grant totaling €15,515 over a two year period. These funds will be dedicated to enhancing school facilities focusing on improving energy efficiency and safety standards.

Tara Mulvihill, Principal at Lenamore National School said: “Aligned with SSE Renewables’ steadfast commitment to safety and energy efficiency, this investment will allow us to make small upgrades to the school which will have a big impact for staff and students alike.”

Commenting on the awards Anne Reynolds, Community Investment Manager, said:

"As a company deeply rooted in the communities we serve, we are proud to continue our tradition of empowering local groups through the SSE Renewables Community Fund. These are just two examples of how the funding we are providing can help power change in communities. We are thrilled that SSE Renewables can support 64 positive initiatives in West Limerick and North Kerry to flourish this year.”