Over €500,000 awarded to Limerick and Kerry community projects from SSE Community Funds

^{The team driving the sustainable development of Killeedy Eco Park, pictured (L-R) Jacqueline Durnin of SSE (Community Fund), Peter Brosnan, Conn Herbert, Richard O’Connor, Mary Irwin, David O’Connor and John Cunningham}

A total of 30 community-led projects across West Limerick and North Kerry are sharing over half a million euro from SSE’s wind-powered community funds.

It is the latest contribution made by SSE Renewables from its annual funding programme to communities that host its renewable energy assets in West Limerick and North Kerry.  

The funding has been made available from SSE’s Athea, Dromada, Rathcahill, Tournafulla and Lenamore wind farms and supports community‑led initiatives driving positive, long‑lasting change in the region.

The award brings the company’s total contribution to groups in West Limerick and North Kerry to over €3.75 million since 2008 – marking a significant milestone in community investment by the renewable energy company.

This year’s funding totals nearly €510,000 and has been awarded across two streams of support – the Local Community Fund which assists small-scale initiatives making a difference locally, and a newly-introduced Major Projects Fund for this year which focuses on larger-scale, high‑impact initiatives.

Of this total, around €160,000 is being distributed to 23 community group projects and over €350,000 is being provided to seven Major Project applicants creating lasting impact. The provision by SSE of this Major Project funding has also enabled these groups to leverage a further €2 million in match funding from external partners and local fundraising efforts.

Among the major projects awarded is Killeedy Eco Park, which has received over €23,000 to develop a sustainable outdoor classroom within the park. Built using environmentally friendly materials, the project will provide an inclusive learning space that supports education, climate awareness and biodiversity, while enhancing the long‑term sustainability of the park.

Highlighting the importance of the fund’s impact, Jack O’Connor, PRO of Killeedy Eco Park, said:

“We are proud to advance the next phase of development at Killeedy Eco Park. This investment in a sustainable outdoor classroom builds on our earlier projects, including an off‑grid solar PV system and outdoor recreational equipment, and strengthens our commitment to climate action, renewable energy and the long‑term sustainability of the park – ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming space for future generations.”

Other funded projects include solar PV installations, battery storage systems, and energy‑efficiency upgrades for community facilities. These initiatives help organisations to not only reduce their carbon emissions but also improve their energy affordability through lower operating costs and the opportunity to reinvest cost savings into other essential services.

As one of Ireland’s largest developers and operators of renewable energy, SSE Renewables believes in sharing the value of its projects with local communities.

Commenting on the awards, Jacqueline Durnin, Community Investment Manager at SSE Renewables, said:

“At SSE Renewables, we are committed to supporting the communities closest to our operations and to empowering locally led projects that make a long lasting difference. The West Limerick and North Kerry Community Fund continues to support initiatives that strengthen local resilience, promote climate action and enhance quality of life. It is encouraging to see such a strong pipeline of ambitious projects that will deliver lasting benefits for communities across the region.”