Sustainable Energy Communities

Sustainable Energy Communities

SEAI’S Sustainable Energy Community Programme, SEC for short is a programme that engages community involvement allowing a shared learning and implementation of energy solutions locally. 

Outline map of Ireland with words Sustainable Energy Communities

Sustainable Energy Communities

SEC Programme Sustainable Energy Communities by SEAI, supported by Meath County Council 

Communities in the programme are provided with a mentor from SEAI to learn about energy use in their community before embarking on a deeper analysis of energy usage which leads to an Energy Master Plan. The Energy Master Plan including sample audits, profiling and identification of opportunities is done by consultants paid for with a 100% grant by SEAI.  The programme looks at the full range of energy usage in the community including householders, businesses, workplaces and community facilities.  Once the analysis is complete the communities can then proceed to implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects which receive grant funding from the SEAI.

Check out SEAI's website for more details on the programme Sustainable Energy Communities | SEAI

Since 2020, Meath County Council has taken on an active role in supporting SECs, one of three local authorities in the country to do so along with Kildare and Wicklow. Meath County Council is assisting SECs by becoming lead party in a grant application for an energy master plan. Meath County Council cover the cost of a consultant who will draw up an Energy Management Plan for your community. Meath County Council recoup this money from the SEAI on completion of the Energy Management Plan. 

To join the SEC Community: 

contact County Meath’s SEAI Local Mentor Philip McCormack @ philipmccormack2@gmail.com, Philip will provide guidance, assist with the application process and explain what’s available through the SEC programme.

There is a total of 30 active Sustainable Energy Communities within County Meath. Approximately 4,141 properties have been upgraded through Sustainable Energy Communities.

  1. Summerhill Tidy Towns 
  2. Batterstown VEA 
  3. Athboy Community Development Forum
  4. Stamullen Tidy Towns 
  5. Dunsaughlin Tidy towns 
  6. Gormanston Community Association CLG 
  7. Old Garlow Cross Committee
  8. Trim SEC CLG
  9. ADF Kildalkey
  10. St Vincent De Paul Oldcastle 
  11. Woodlands Navan 
  12. Castletown Kilpatrick Navan 
  13. Ashbourne Tidy Towns
  14. Kilmainhamwood Area Development Association
  15. Ballinabrackey GAA
  16. Nobber GFC
  17. Bettystown Tidy towns
  18. Enfield SEC
  19. Oldcastle Tidy Towns
  20. Kilbride TIDY Towns
  21. Mulhussey parents Association
  22. St Josephs NS Mulhussey
  23. Walterstown GAA
  24. Dunsany Community Group
  25. Laytown
  26. Leinster
  27. Ratoath Tidy Towns
  28. Slane Community Forum
  29. Kells local heroes
  30. Cannistown 

The SEC programme is generating momentum in the shift to cleaner more affordable energy for all within County Meath and delivers on a number of sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

Sustainable development goals - climate action