Community projects to receive €20m boost with energy grant

By Maurice Garvey

A NUMBER of community projects across the county are in line for a boost due to a national €20 million energy grant – announced this week by Communications Minister Denis Naughten.

Among those set to benefit from the scheme are community centres in Tallaght, housing co-ops in Lucan, Inchicore, Rathfarnham and Terenure, and the New Hope Residential Centre in Jobstown.

Up to 38 community projects are to receive grant funding through the Better Energy Communities scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

This year’s fund will provide energy efficiency upgrades to more than 2,600 homes and almost 300 community and commercial facilities – with a total investment in energy efficiency of almost €48 million.

One notable project from this year’s scheme is a partnership with the HSE, to upgrade the efficiency of Cherry Orchard Hospital and a risk assessment service in Ballyowen, Lucan.

Groups who have signed up to become a member of the SEAI include South Dublin County Council, who along with partners REIL and Simon Community among others, are providing retrofits to a range of residential and not-for-profit groups, including two community centres in Tallaght.

The New Hope Residential Centre in Jobstown is also in line for an energy upgrade, in a project led by Glen Dimplex.

The centre was founded by Tallaght man Layton Kelly in 2006 to provide support for people with drug and alcohol addictions.

Mt Layton said the retrofit programme will include attic insulation, and the installation of an energy efficient hot water pump at the Kiltalown Cottage premises.

Meanwhile, a project led by Co-operative Housing Ireland involves the retrofit of 83 housing co-operative-owned homes in two development – some of which are located in St Finians, Lucan.

CHI have developed a pay-as-you save model, where residents commit to paying a portion of their energy savings for a fixed period, into a fund which supports future upgrades.

A project led by Energywise will see the upgrade of 22 homes, nine community buildings and six businesses in Terenure and Rathfarnham.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Naughten said the programme can “demonstrate the real and practical benefits of energy efficiency” and “support local employment.”