SSE Airtricity awards sustainability funding to initiatives in Sligo, Roscommon and Mayo
SSE Airtricity has announced almost €200,000 in funding for sustainability projects in Sligo, Roscommon and Mayo through its Generation Green Community Fund.
These projects are among 56 community-led sustainability initiatives across the island of Ireland to receive full funding through the €5 million fund.
The initiatives aim to develop accessible eco-friendly travel, long-term sustainability and biodiversity activities for their local areas, and to foster climate resilience and community engagement around sustainability.
The initiatives are: Inishturk Community Club CLG, Burrenbeo Trust, Ballyleague Hall, St. Farnan’s Community Park Association, Irish Schools Sustainability Network, ACT – Accelerating Change Together, Teen-Turn, and Lough Ree Access for All.
Looking at the Mayo initiative, the population of Inishturk Island has been in steady decline, with limited industry and a reliance on seasonal tourism and traditional livelihoods. Without intervention, Inishturk’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, integral to Ireland’s offshore identity, is at risk of being lost. In developing the Inishturk 2050 Masterplan, a roadmap for achieving actionable objectives will be set to ensure Inishturk remains attractive to future investors and residents.
The Generation Green Community Fund reflects SSE Airtricity’s long-term commitment to supporting the communities it serves, with a focus on enabling meaningful environmental and social change. The fund was developed following extensive engagement with community groups across Ireland, who helped shape its priorities around education, biodiversity, infrastructure, and climate adaptation.
Sinéad Cahalan, development manager, Inishturk Community Club, stated: “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 2050 Masterplan will guide us in shaping how we live, work and protect our natural environment, ensuring Inishturk remains a vibrant and welcoming home, connected to tradition but prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Announcing the funding allocations, Stephen Gallagher, managing director of SSE Airtricity, said: “We’re delighted to support these projects – along with a whole range of other ambitious, community-led sustainability projects across the island of Ireland – through our Generation Green Community Fund. Achieving net zero is a shared responsibility, and these initiatives show how vital local leadership is in Ireland’s green energy transition.
“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 understand the challenges many projects and groups face in accessing funding resources, and we’re proud to play a part in enabling them to create lasting environmental and social impact.”
The 56 funded initiatives across the island of Ireland span a wide range of focus areas – including renewable energy upgrades, biodiversity restoration, climate resilience planning, and sustainability education – and were selected for their innovation, local impact, and alignment with Ireland’s climate goals. Sustainability education and STEM initiatives have been awarded over €800,000, while almost €1m has been awarded to green infrastructure and energy upgrade projects, with over a quarter of a million people across Ireland to benefit from the full range of initiatives.
Funding applications have been administered in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a view to supporting Ireland’s climate targets. On completion, the 56 projects have the potential to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions by 2,500 tonnes annually supporting government’s 2030 targets.