East Cavan and Monaghan

SSE Renewables Community Funds support initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), encouraging projects that deliver long-term, meaningful impact.

In October and November 2024, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) Outreach Programme brought renewable energy education to 850 primary school students across County Cavan and County Monaghan. Hands on sessions offered age-appropriate activities that demystify the science behind renewable energy, sparking students’ curiosity and encouraging interest in STEAM careers. 

This initiative supports key UN SGDs - Quality Education SDG 4, Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 7 and Climate Action SDG 13, by empowering young learners and educators with the knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable, green future. 

Each participating school received a classroom kit for continuouse experiments and project work, reinforcing the programmes long term value beyond a one-off experience. Building on this success ,success, Year 2 focuses on the teachers professional development. This CPD (Continuous Professional Development) element enables educators to deliver the programme independently in future years, embedding renewable energy education into everyday learning and ensuring a lasting legacy.

"The STEAM kits really brought science to life for our students. Many of our children have grown up seeing wind turbines on the landscape, so it’s brilliant for them to explore how wind energy actually works, why it matters and the opportunities it presents for the future. Overall, it was brilliant to see their curiosity grow through hands on learning, which wouldn’t have been possible without the SSE Renewables Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund.”

Derek Middleton, Principal at Darley National School

Thanks to funding from SSE Renewables East Cavan and Monaghan Community Benefit Fund, Corduff Handball Club has significantly improved safety, hygiene and access to sport for over 90 juvenile players through a simple but impactful project: providing each child with their own handball gloves and protective eye goggles.

Previously, players often shared gloves and goggles during training sessions, raising hygiene concerns and increasing the risk of spreading illness. With each child now equipped with their own gear, the club has created a cleaner, safer training environment, helping protect the physical health of young players and encouraging regular participation in the sport.

The impact goes beyond safety. By removing the cost burden for families, the club has made handball more inclusive and financially accessible, resulting in already a 10% increase in juvenile membership. With individual gear for each child, training sessions are smoother, more focused, and more enjoyable, for both players and the club’s fully trained and vetted volunteer coaches.

The project has also strengthened community trust and engagement, with 102 people directly and indirectly benefiting. It lays a strong foundation for future development and positions Corduff Handball Club as a safe, welcoming, forward-thinking sports hub.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, this initiative supports active, connected, and confident young people, one safe training session at a time

"Thanks to the funding, every juvenile at Corduff Handball Club now has their own gloves and goggles, making our training safer, more hygienic, and more inclusive. It’s helped ease the financial burden on families and brought new energy and members into our club.”

Colin Carragher, Coach and Secretary, Corduff Handball Club

Across all community funds a priority which is repeatedly identified by residents is ensuring there are opportunities for young people. It is recognised that children are the future of the community and investing in their well-being will help the community for decades to come. Children’s provision is also important for communities as it helps attract young families to live in the area.

The community of Kill near the Bindoo Wind Farm was struggling to support working parents as there was no wrap-around care for school aged children. The local playgroup worked with parents and children to re-purpose a local property into an after-school haven.

40 children now benefit from a range of educational, social, and recreational activities to widen their interests and learning. A key component of the new site is the nature garden with wildflowers, nesting boxes and raised beds for organic vegetable planting. The garden is maintained by the children and helps instill a love and responsibility for nature from a young age.

"As a result of the funding we received from SSE Renewables, we have made safe areas to play with fencing, gates and artificial grass.”

Siobhan McKenna, Chairperson, Rainbow Kids Playgroup