CLDC Drives Shannon Town’s Sustainable Energy Future as SEAI Mentor
Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is leading Shannon Town’s transition to sustainable energy, providing expert mentorship through the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme.
CLDC Sustainable Energy Communities SEAI Mentor Denise O’Brien and Just Transition Officer Hannah Griffey met with the Shannon Town Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) group at Shannon Town Library on Monday, 2nd December, to discuss progress on the community’s Energy Master Plan (EMP).
The meeting was attended by Tony Walsh, Raj Chittaguppa, and Ronnie Kirwan from the Shannon Town SEC, which has been established with the support of Shannon Tidy Towns Committee, providing a solid foundation upon which to build a comprehensive plan for the town in the months ahead.
Shannon Town SEC is currently in the Plan Phase of the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Programme, having secured 100% funding from SEAI for the development of the energy initiative. A Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a suitable consultant to deliver the EMP was issued in November, with a closing date of 12 December 2025.
Hannah Griffey, Tony Walsh, Raj Chittaguppa, Denise O’Brien and Ronnie Kirwan pictured at Shannon Sustainable Energy Communities Group Meeting
This support builds on CLDC’s established partnership with Shannon Tidy Towns Committee, positioning CLDC as a key enabler for Shannon’s comprehensive SEAI EMP roadmap to 2030—covering energy efficiency, renewables, sustainable transport, and a costed Register of Opportunities. CLDC staff offered critical guidance on tender processes, community engagement strategies, and linking with local groups like Shannon Community Partnership for surveys and consultations.
“CLDC is proud to mentor Shannon Town SEC, ensuring the just transition to clean energy is accessible and equitable for all residents—especially those facing energy cost barriers,” said Denise O’Brien, CLDC SEC Mentor. “Our hands-on support can help deliver a practical EMP that benefits the entire community for years to come.”
Hannah Griffey added: “As CLDC’s Just Transition Officer, I’m committed to making sustainability fair and affordable, helping Shannon leave no one behind in this vital shift.”
It is envisaged that an EMP provider will be selected in the new year, with the Energy Master Plan development taking place over the following 6–9 months.
For more information on Sustainable Energy Communities in Clare, contact Denise O’Brien, SEC Mentor, at dobrien@cldc.ie.