SSE Airtricity has today (Wednesday, October 30) opened its €5 million all-island Generation Green Community Fund for applications.

The fund aims to help local communities across the island of Ireland to implement meaningful green projects that contribute to the transition to net zero.

The initiative is particularly aimed at fostering local leadership and promoting social equity, ensuring that all communities, regardless of their size or location, can contribute to Ireland’s sustainable future.

SSE Airtricity recently closed a consultation phase which generated over 600 submissions from individuals and organisations across Ireland.

The company said this provided key insights on the types of sustainable initiatives that will deliver most value for communities.

Applications are now invited from local community groups, not for profit organisations, social enterprises and local authorities across the island.

The funding round is open for applications until January 10, 2025 and will be administered in line with four UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), across two strands: education for a sustainable future and community led sustainability projects.

SSE Airtricity said that initiatives eligible for funding will include:

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and climate education;
Green curriculum and schools funding;
Youth engagement and innovation;
Community education and engagement;
Green skills and employability programmes;
Climate resilience planning;
Sustainable infrastructure development;
Community environmental programmes;
Circular economy and waste reduction initiatives;
Eco-friendly travel initiatives.

Speaking at the launch of the SSE Airtricity Generation Green Community Fund, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers said that everyone has a responsibility in delivering Ireland’s sustainable future.

“I would encourage all local communities and organisations to apply for financial assistance to support your sustainability efforts, and I really look forward to seeing the projects made possible due to the SSE Airtricity Generation Green Community Fund," he said.

Klair Neenan, managing director SSE Airtricity, added that "getting to net zero is in everyone’s interest and local communities will be at the heart of the energy transition".

"Through the consultation phase, we received substantial levels of valuable feedback from innovative and vibrant community initiatives across the island, and SSE Airtricity wants to lend our support to these groups by powering up their sustainability plans.

“We know that issues like education, biodiversity and infrastructure are big priorities for our local communities, and we understand the hurdles often faced with resourcing and funding," she said.