SSE Airtricity has announced it is to fund 56 projects from across Ireland through its €5m Generation Green Community Fund.

The projects, which include four island communities, '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.  

Projects to receive support include renewable energy upgrades, biodiversity restoration, climate resilience planning, and sustainability education.

The company said sustainability education and STEM initiatives have been awarded over €800,000.

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.  

On completion, the 56 projects have the potential to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions by 2,500 tonnes annually supporting government’s 2030 targets, Airtricity said.

Projects involved in food waste management, installation of solar panels, EV chargers as well as LED floodlight upgrages for GAA clubs are just a few examples of those being supported.

Announcing the funding allocations, Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity, said: “I’m delighted that the SSE Airtricity Generation Green Community Fund is supporting such a wide range of ambitious, community-led sustainability projects.

"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.”