West Limerick and North Kerry

Killeedy Eco Park in West Limerick has taken a vital step toward climate action, clean energy, and financial sustainability, supported by an €8,500 grant from the SSE Renewables West Limerick North Kerry Fund. 

The funding supported the installation of an off-grid solar PV and battery energy system, providing a clean, reliable, and sustainable power source to the park’s cabin — a hub for community activity and volunteer support. The system now powers indoor and outdoor lighting, external power points, and creates a warm, functional space for year-round use.

Crucially, this off-grid solution removes the need for fossil fuel generators, costly grid connections, and utility bills, resulting in significant long-term savings. The energy independence achieved enhances the financial resilience and allows fundraising efforts to be reinvested into further development of the park, reinforcing the community’s capacity for self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
Through strong local collaboration and a clear commitment to sustainability, the Killeedy community is showing how small rural areas can lead in climate resilience. This project is not just about powering a cabin — it’s about powering long-term change

"We’re proud to take this important step toward sustainability in Killeedy. The solar installation represents a real investment in climate action, clean energy, and financial sustainability for our community. It ensures the park remains a safe, functional, and welcoming space — all while protecting the environment for future generations.”

John Cunningham, Treasurer, Killeedy Eco Park Committee

With the support of a €4,000 grant from SSE Renewables West Limerick North Kerry Community Fund, Kantoher Development Group has completed the installation of a safe, energy-efficient community kitchen in The Ash — the former Ashford Tavern, now reimagined as the Ashford Social Hub.

This small but meaningful upgrade marks a new phase in the transformation of the building into a fully functional, inclusive, and sustainable community space. Serving a wide range of groups across Killeedy and the wider region — from youth organisations and sports teams to active retirement groups and cultural clubs — the kitchen plays a vital role in making The Ash welcoming, practical, and people-focused. 

More than just a place to prepare food and drinks, the kitchen unlocks the potential of the building as a true community anchor. It supports events, workshops, and gathering year-round, strengthening the environmental and social resilience of this rural area.

"This kitchen is more than an appliance install — it’s an invitation. To gather, to host, to share. It completes the vision of The Ash as a place for everyone.”

Jack O'Connor, Director, Kantoher Development Group

In the heart of Moyvane village, a disused Garda Barracks, has been reimagined as a welcoming, multi-purpose community hub for people of all ages and backgrounds. Fáilte Isteach Gach Duine Moyvane CLG transformed an underutilised public building into a vibrant space for connection, creativity, and community growth. 

With support from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the West Limerick North Kerry Community Fund awarded the final support needed to bring this vision to life. The revitalised building features a small café and tearoom, providing a warm, social space for locals to meet and connect, while generating revenue to help sustain the facility.

The development also includes a new standalone building for the Moyvane Men’s Shed, offering a dedicated space to work on projects, share skills, and build friendships. A new community garden adds a green, intergenerational dimension to the project and will be accessible to the local primary school, encouraging hands-on environmental education.

Designed as a flexible, community-first space, ready to host local groups and associations. It also serves as a venue for educational courses, exhibitions, workshops, and an information resource centre for visitors and residents alike.

In line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, in this rural village, where amenities and gathering places are limited, this project fosters inclusion, reduces isolation, and encourages pride and participation in community life. It brings people back to the centre, giving them a reason to get involved, to contribute and to feel a sense of belong. It's a powerful reminder that community transformation often begins not with a brand-new build but with a forgotten place, and the vision to see what it could become.

"We're not just restoring a building, we're building community. This hub will give Moyvane heart again, a place to gather, to learn, to laugh, and to work together. It's a space for connection, creativity, and shared purpose, today and into the future.”

Paddy Mulvihill, Interim  Chairperson, Fáilte Isteach Gach Duine Moyvane CLG

With the support of a €4,000 grant from SSE Renewables West Limerick North Kerry Community Fund, St. Bridgid’s National School in Duagh has brought a new wave of support to its students through the creation of a dedicated sensory pod.

Inspired by calming qualities of the sea, the pod is decorated with a fish and ocean floor theme, creating a tranquil, immersive space where children can feel safe, soothed, and supported. This thoughtfully designed environment offers a calm, controlled setting for students who experience sensory processing challenges, anxiety, or additional learning needs. It allows pupils to self-regulate, refocus, and return to the classroom more engaged, calm, and emotionally balanced.

The sensory pod has already had a transformative impact. It enhances inclusivity across the school, strengthens support for teachers and special education staff, and provides families with the reassurance that their children’s needs are being met with empathy and care

"The sensory pod has created a safe and nurturing space for our pupils. It gives children the opportunity to regulate their emotions and re-engage with learning. This space is a lifeline for some of our students — and a source of comfort for their families.”

Ciara O’Connor, Principal, St. Bridgid’s National School