Wednesday, 13 August 2025
SSE Airtricity Awards Nearly €200,000 to Sustainability Projects in Sligo, Roscommon, and Mayo SSE Airtricity has announced almost €200,000 in funding for community-led sustainability initiatives in Sligo, Roscommon, and Mayo through its €5 million Generation Green Community Fund. These projects are among 56 selected across Ireland for their commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, climate resilience, and […]
SSE Airtricity has announced almost €200,000 in funding for community-led sustainability initiatives in Sligo, Roscommon, and Mayo through its €5 million Generation Green Community Fund. These projects are among 56 selected across Ireland for their commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, climate resilience, and education.
The Generation Green Community Fund was developed in consultation with communities across Ireland to support initiatives that deliver meaningful environmental and social outcomes. This latest round of funding reflects a focus on local leadership in achieving national climate goals.
According to Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity:
‘Achieving net zero is a shared responsibility, and these initiatives show how vital local leadership is in Ireland’s green energy transition.’
Projects were selected for their innovation, local impact, and alignment with both UN Sustainable Development Goals and Ireland’s 2030 climate targets. Once complete, the 56 funded initiatives are expected to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions by 2,500 tonnes annually, while directly benefiting more than a quarter of a million people.
While national policy sets the framework for climate action, community-led initiatives are increasingly recognized as essential to achieving real, on-the-ground impact. Local projects such as those funded by SSE Airtricity serve as microcosms of climate innovation, demonstrating how place-based solutions can contribute to national and even global sustainability goals.
In fact, the EU’s Climate Pact and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight the importance of grassroots involvement, especially in areas like biodiversity, education, and climate adaptation. Programs like Generation Green help bridge the gap between policy and practice by empowering communities to be part of the transition.
The initiatives in the western region aim to enhance long-term sustainability, biodiversity, and eco-friendly community development. Funded groups include:
Inishturk Community Club CLG (Mayo)
Burrenbeo Trust (spanning Clare/Galway but with impact across the region)
Ballyleague Hall (Roscommon)
St. Farnan’s Community Park Association (Sligo)
Irish Schools Sustainability Network
ACT – Accelerating Change Together
Teen-Turn
Lough Ree Access for All
On Inishturk Island, which faces population decline and limited economic activity, the funding will support the Inishturk 2050 Masterplan. This long-term roadmap aims to make the island a viable, vibrant place to live by promoting sustainability, preserving cultural heritage, and improving infrastructure and climate resilience.
Sinéad Cahalan, Development Manager at Inishturk Community Club CLG, said:
‘This masterplan is more than a document – it’s a shared vision for the future of Inishturk. Through community-led action, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, self-sustaining island where future generations can thrive.’
The 56 initiatives span multiple sectors, including:
Biodiversity restoration
Climate resilience planning
Green infrastructure and energy upgrades
STEM and sustainability education
Of the overall €5 million awarded:
Over €800,000 has been allocated to sustainability education and STEM programs.
Nearly €1 million is going toward green infrastructure and renewable energy upgrades.
Projects were evaluated on their potential to deliver measurable environmental benefits and foster greater community engagement in sustainability efforts.
SSE Airtricity emphasized that many communities face challenges in accessing environmental funding. The Generation Green Community Fund aims to remove these barriers by supporting projects that might otherwise lack resources to launch or scale.
‘We have listened to the needs of our communities, and they’ve told us what matters most – from improving biodiversity to enhancing local infrastructure and education […] we’re proud to play a part in enabling them to create lasting environmental and social impact,’ said Gallagher.
SSE Airtricity’s funding to community projects in Sligo, Roscommon, and Mayo is helping to catalyse local climate leadership. Whether through long-term resilience planning on Inishturk or biodiversity efforts in local parks and halls, these initiatives represent a vital step toward achieving Ireland’s sustainability targets while empowering local voices to lead the transition.
While funding announcements are important, the true value of initiatives lies in measurable outcomes. The Generation Green Community Fund includes projects with potential to reduce 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, a significant step toward Ireland’s 2030 emissions targets.
Over time, SSE Airtricity and participating communities will need to track progress on key indicators like:
Carbon reductions
Community participation
Biodiversity improvements
Educational outcomes
This data can help inform future funding decisions, ensure accountability, and inspire replication of successful models in other regions.
At All-Ireland Sustainability, we’re committed to building a greener, fairer island, together. Stay informed on the latest environmental initiatives, community action, and policy developments shaping sustainability across Ireland, North and South.
👉 Sign up for our newsletter today and be the first to hear about upcoming events, expert insights, and ways to get involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your journey, new members are always welcome.
Subscribe now and be part of the All-Ireland Sustainability network.