May 13, 2026

Strong Turnout for Newmarket-on-Fergus Community Energy Event

Over 30 people attended a successful SEAI Community Energy Information Evening held in Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA Club on Tuesday evening, highlighting the growing local interest in energy efficiency, retrofit supports and community sustainability initiatives.

The free event was organised as part of the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) programme supported by Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) and SEAI, and provided practical information on home energy upgrades, available grants, solar PV, electricity tariffs and community energy planning.

The evening also gave local residents and community organisations an opportunity to learn more about the Newmarket-on-Fergus Sustainable Energy Community and the next steps involved in developing an Energy Master Plan for the area.

Speakers on the night included Denise O’Brien, SEC Mentor with CLDC, Seán Sweeney, Maeve O’Reilly from SEAI, and Hannah from CLDC SICAP, with a strong level of engagement and discussion throughout the event.

Freddy McInerney, Chairperson of Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA Club, welcomed the strong attendance and outlined the club’s commitment to supporting sustainability initiatives within the community.

“We are proud to support initiatives that help build a more sustainable future for both our members and the wider community. As a central community organisation in Newmarket-on-Fergus, the GAA club recognises the importance of working collaboratively with local groups to support energy awareness, sustainability and community wellbeing. That is what prompted us to get involved in the SEC alongside Obair, Tidy Towns, Newmarket Community Hall and Councillor David Griffin.”

Denise O’Brien, SEC Mentor with Clare Local Development Company, said the event demonstrated the strength of local community interest in practical energy solutions and future planning.

“It was fantastic to see such a positive turnout and level of engagement from the community. Events like this are important in helping people better understand the supports available to them while also building momentum locally around sustainable energy planning and community collaboration.”

The Newmarket-on-Fergus SEC has now submitted its application to SEAI for an Energy Master Plan, which will help identify opportunities for energy savings, retrofit measures and future community energy projects across the area.

Further SEC Community Energy Information Events are planned across Clare in the coming weeks, including:

  • East Clare Community Energy Event – Thursday, 21 May at 7pm in Mountshannon Community Hall
  • Ennis West Community Energy Event – Saturday, 6 June in Cloughleigh, Ennis

Community groups and residents interested in learning more about the Sustainable Energy Communities programme can contact Denise O’Brien, SEC Mentor with Clare Local Development Company, at dobrien@cldc.ie.