North Cork

Millstreet & District Housing Association provides safe, affordable homes and essential services for older people in the Millstreet area. With support from SEAI and SSE Renewables Coomacheo and Curragh Community Fund, the Association completed an extensive energy upgrade across all ten of its semi-sheltered houses, installing solar panels, heat pumps, and new radiators.

This project improves comfort, reduces energy bills, and supports climate action by replacing an older system with a cleaner, low-carbon alternative. It also helps residents—many on fixed incomes—live independently and securely in their own community.

This grant forms part of over €86,000 in total support from the SSE Renewables Community Fund, which has helped upgrade homes over the past fifteen years, including new windows, doors, insulation, and now, heating systems. These improvements have significantly enhanced energy efficiency, safety, and quality of life for elderly residents.

Supported by local contractors and volunteers, this project reflects the Association’s commitment to sustainability, community, and caring for older generations. It also highlights how community-led initiatives can deliver meaningful impact, reducing emissions, lowering energy costs, and helping rural communities thrive

"This funding allows us to continue improving the comfort and wellbeing of our residents. With SSE Renewables’ support over the years, we've made real progress in creating warmer, safer homes for older people in our community.”

Maire O’Sullivan, Manager, Millstreet & District Housing Association

Irish Community Rapid Response CLG T/A CRITICAL

Irish Community Rapid Response, trading as CRITICAL, is a voluntary organisation dedicated to providing critical emergency medical response services across rural Ireland. The charity’s network of volunteers includes doctors in Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Donegal, Dublin and Wicklow; Community First Responder Groups; and off-duty paramedics, EMTs, Advanced Paramedics. CRITICAL relies heavily on fundraising and community support to maintain its vital services.

Since 2020, funding from the SSE Renewables Community Fund has enabled CRITICAL to upgrade an Emergency Medical Response vehicle, enhancing rapid response capabilities and improving medical care in hard-to-reach rural areas. This investment supports the delivery of advanced emergency care, often bridging critical gaps caused by Ireland’s dispersed population and challenging terrain.

As a volunteer-led service, CRITICAL faces ongoing fundraising challenges to sustain its fleet and operations. Community partnerships and volunteer commitment are at the heart of its mission, highlighting the vital role that local support plays in saving lives.

This project demonstrates how community-driven funding can strengthen emergency health services, support rural resilience, and ensure lifesaving care reaches those who need it most.

“This funding has been invaluable in helping us enhance our emergency response capabilities and deliver lifesaving care to rural communities throughout Ireland.”

David Tighe, CEO, CRITICAL

An Súgán Museum is leading the development of Ireland’s first national museum dedicated to the Irish language and the Gaelic Revival. Located in a remote Gaeltacht region, the project aims to preserve and promote Irish heritage while creating new opportunities in cultural tourism.

With funding support from the SSE Renewables Community Fund, An Súgán enhances the visitor experience and help shape the museum’s core content. The museum will also support Coláiste na Mumhan’s, Coláiste Irish summer school, providing educational resources that strengthen the connection between heritage and culture.

This project is more than a museum—it’s an investment in the Gaeltacht’s future. By celebrating Irish culture and language, the initiative helps strengthen local identity, create tourism potential, and provide educational value for generations to come.

Community collaboration is central, with local involvement helping shape a space that celebrates the region’s unique history and future potential. 

"Tá An Súgán buíoch as an dtacaíocht airgidis a fuarthas ó SSE Renewables le haghaidh an eispéireas cuartaíochta agus na háiseanna a fheabhsú don Iarsmalann Athbheochan agus Teanga na Gaeilge.”

Tim Twomey, Team Leader, An Súgán