Communities in the programme are provided with a mentor from SEAI to learn about energy use in their community before embarking on a deeper analysis of energy usage which leads to an Energy Master Plan (EMP). The Energy Master Plan including sample audits, profiling and identification of opportunities is done by consultants paid for with a 100% grant by SEAI.  

The programme looks at the full range of energy usage in the community including householders, businesses, workplaces and community facilities.  Once the analysis is complete the communities can then proceed to implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects which receive grant funding from the SEAI.

Check out SEAI's website for more details on the programme Sustainable Energy Communities | SEAI

Since 2020, Meath County Council has taken on an active role in supporting SECs, one of three local authorities in the country to do so along with Kildare and Wicklow. Meath County Council is assisting SECs by becoming lead party in a grant application for an energy master plan. 

Meath County Council cover the cost of a consultant who will draw up an Energy Management Plan for your community. Meath County Council recoup this money from the SEAI on completion of the Energy Management Plan. 

To join the SEC Community: 

Contact County Meath’s SEAI Local Mentor Philip McCormack at philipmccormack2@gmail.com, Philip will provide guidance, assist with the application process and explain what’s available through the SEC programme.

There are a total of 30 active Sustainable Energy Communities within County Meath. Approximately 4,141 properties have been upgraded through Sustainable Energy Communities.

Active Sustainable Energy Communities

Ashbourne Municipal District

Kilbride Tidy Towns SEC - EMP Complete
Ashbourne Tidy Towns - EMP in Progress

Kells Municipal District

Kilmainhamwood Area Development Association - EMP Complete
Athboy Community Development Forum - EMP in Progress
Nobber GFC - Learning Stage
Oldcastle Tidy Towns - Learning Stage
St. Vincent De Paul - Oldcastle Co. Meath Conference - Learning Stage
Kells Local Heroes - Learning Stage
Cannistown  (Bective Gaa) - Learning Stage
Gael Colmcille GAA - Newly Joined
Kilbeg/Carlanstown Deerpark - Newly Joined

Laytown Bettystown Muncipal District

Gormanston Community Association CLG - EMP Complete
Bettystown Tidy Towns - EMP Complete
Laytown SEC  - EMP Complete
Louth East Meath SEC  - EMP Complete
Stamullen Tidy Towns - Learning Stage
Slane SEC - Learning Stage

Navan Municipal District

Old Garlow Cross Committee - Learning Stage
Woodlands Navan SEC - Learning Stage
Castletown Kilpatrick Navan - Learning Stage
Walterstown GAA - Learning Stage

Ratoath Municipal District

Batterstown VEA - EMP Complete
Ratoath Tidy Towns SEC - Learning Stage
Leinster SEC, (Ratoath) - Learning Stage
Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns - Learning Stage
Dunsany Community Group - Newly Joined
Naomh Colmcille East Meath Clg - Learning Stage

Trim Municipal District

Trim SEC CLG - EMP Complete
Summerhill Tidy Towns - Learning Stage
St Josephs NS Mulhussey - Learning Stage
Mulhussey Parents Association - Learning Stage
Ballinabrackey GAA - Learning Stage
Enfield SEC - Learning Stage

The SEC programme is generating momentum in the shift to cleaner more affordable energy for all within County Meath and delivers on a number of sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

Energy Master Plans and Registers of Opportunities

                                                 Laytown Energy Master Plan Video