December 5, 2025

Ballyvaughan Sustainable Energy Community Energy Master Plan Kickoff Meeting

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) led and supported the launch of the Ballyvaughan Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Energy Master Plan at Ballyvaughan Village Hall at the end of November, underscoring CLDC’s hands‑on role in community energy across County Clare. The event drew strong local attendance, reflecting growing interest in CLDC‑backed initiatives to improve energy resilience and cut costs.

Event highlights

The evening featured an informative presentation by Colm Garvey of Clare Energy outlining the Energy Master Plan process and opportunities for Ballyvaughan. Funded by SEAI through the Sustainable Energy Communities scheme, the plan targets significant reductions in energy use, costs, and emissions by 2030, with CLDC mentoring the community through each stage.

CLDC leadership and support

Denise O’Brien, SEC Mentor with CLDC, welcomed attendees and set out the tailored supports CLDC provides throughout the EMP, from capacity‑building to project planning and grant guidance. A follow‑up session with CLDC Just Transition Officer Hannah Griffey will be arranged to ensure the plan delivers fair, affordable outcomes for households, farms, and businesses. The meeting was chaired by Jim McCarthy, with local councillors Joe Garrihy and Joe Killeen, committee members, and community representatives in attendance. Deirdre Webb, the liaison between the Ballyvaughan SEC and CLDC, also participated.

What’s included in the Energy Master Plan?

  • Solar Meitheal – group pathway to explore Solar PV and access grants (e.g., TAMS for farmers, SEAI supports for homes and businesses).
  • Energy survey – understand current energy use in homes and community buildings.
  • Register of Opportunities – a costed action list for renewables, transport, and home energy upgrades.
  • Energy audits – two audits for priority community buildings (schools, halls, sports clubs).
  • Energy clinics – twelve one‑to‑one 30‑minute sessions for homes, farms, and businesses.
  • Building Energy Ratings (BERs) – ten free BERs for homes that complete the survey.
Jim Mc Carthy ( Chair  U3A)   Councillor Joe Garrihy , Denise O Brien (CLDC SEC Mentor), Cathleen Connole , Deirdre Webb , Jean Mooney and Councillor Joe Killeen 

Community engagement and next steps

Q&A focused on switching suppliers, SEAI grants, and practical efficiency steps, with CLDC signposting supports and next actions. The EMP will roll out over approximately four months, with energy clinics, surveys, and the Solar Meitheal starting shortly.

CLDC’s role

CLDC is the community mentor and delivery partner guiding Ballyvaughan SEC through the EMP—coordinating expertise, funding pathways, and engagement so local benefits are realised quickly. This is one of a number of CLDC‑supported SEC initiatives demonstrating community‑led climate action in County Clare.

Contact

For more information or to get involved, contact Denise O’Brien, CLDC SEC Mentor, at 087 798 0347.