Focus on renewable energy to help revitalise rural communities

COMMUNITIES in South Kerry are to examine development opportunities in renewable energy over the next three years in a bid to help revitalise local regions.

Delegates from across the North West of Europe as well as from around Ireland were in Killarney last week for the launch of the European project which is hoped will create sustainable projects in local communities.

The INTERREG Creating new local Community Energy Co-ops (ECCO) project will be rolled out in Kerry by South Kerry Development partnership.

They are one of 11 partners in the project. Other partners are based in Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Germany and Wales and the project is aimed at looking at the opportunities that exist for communities in these regions through developing the renewable energy assets that exist in their areas.

The project is being supported by both The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Climate Action as well as Kerry Group and FEXCO and will run for the next three years.

Project manager with SKDP Seán de Buitléar said that there are potentially significant economic and social benefits available to the communities in South Kerry from owning and developing the renewable energy assets that exist in their areas.

“Many communities across Europe have realised the potential the renewable energy sector offers for them and have embraced it fully. We hope to be able to benefit from our partners knowledge and experience and accelerate the development of such community owned co-ops in the region” Sean said.

Welcoming delegates at the event SKDP CEO, Noel Spillane, thanked both Departments for their support for the project saying that their financial contribution means the SKDP can take a full part in the project.

“It is also hugely positive for us that both FEXCO and Kerry Group, two hugely successful indigenous companies, have come on board to support this project and it shows their commitment to the development of communities in the county” Noel said.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Launching the INTERREG North West Europe Creating new local Community Energy Co-ops (ECCO) project Wim Ceulemans (Innovatiesteunpunt Belgium) Lead Partner; Seán de Buitléar, Project Manager SKDP (centre) Tom Schaeken (Belgium); Stephen O’Sullivan...

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Wim Ceulemans (Innovatiesteunpunt Belgium) Lead Partner; Seán de Buitléar, Project Manager SKDP (centre) Tom Schaeken (Belgium); Stephen O’Sullivan (FEXCO); Dirk Vansintjan (President REScoop); Finola Moylette (Dept. Rural & Community Development)...