Youghal Blue & Green Community Network SEC

Background:

Youghal Sustainable Energy Community was established in 2021 by Youghal Blue and Green Community Network. This is an environmental community network, focusing on the coast and marine (‘blue’) and nature, biodiversity and energy efficiency (‘green’). The network is composed of individual volunteers, representatives from other local community organisations, and has over 50 network members including schools, sporting clubs and voluntary groups. The network is supported by two full-time employees and one part-time,funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Tomar Trust. 

Their vision is to make Youghal the healthiest, cleanest, most environmentally friendly town to live and work for all its residents. Their method of engaging with the wider community has proven extremely successful. The use of the network concept and allowing other community organisations to join the network has proven invaluable.  It has allowed them to reach into a wider demographic of the community through collaboration with the likes of Cumann na Daoine Community Cafe, Men’s Shed, Spring Chickens, the East Cork Traveller Project and Community Radio Youghal.

After completing their Energy Master Plan, the SEC have been actively delivering on project opportunities identified in the plan. 

Through their work, they raise awareness of the need for energy reduction measures and  renewable energy generation, with the aim of not leaving anyone behind. The are working towards a just transition for all, while approaching it from a community development perspective. 

The SEC believe their key to success is treating the community as partners, working with them on every step of the journey, and ensuring that they remain inclusive and forward thinking in all elements of their work.

Results and key achievements:

1. Energy Master Plan (EMP): Secured a €15K grant funded by SEAI to complete their EMP. This was then  launched as part of the EirGrid’s Citizen Energy Roadshow in November 2022, engaging an audience close to 200 people.
2. SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme: The SEC’s current key focus is promoting the SEAI’s fully funded grant and helping people who are in receipt of the Fuel Allowance to apply. This is being achieved in partnership with network members, Youghal Active Retirement Association (YARA). They are assisting with the grant application process and promoting it to those eligible.  This work is vital fora ‘Just Energy Transition’ and ensuring that people do not fall into fuel poverty. 
3. Energy education: The SEC are actively collaborating with schools, businesses, and local government to promote sustainable energy practices. Through their partnership with Youghal Further Education College, they are advocating for the integration of renewable energy education into the curriculum, to inspire the next generation of energy leaders. They also host an annual bike event with young people to highlight the benefits of cycling and how it helps to reduce their carbon footprint.
4. Behavioural change initiatives: The SEC reached over 1,000 individual householders and worked closely with 20 local groups, supporting them on their energy transitions; hosting 40 Energy Hub sessions, an Energy Roadshow, a Zero Waste Festival, Library Energy Workshops and managing a loan system of 10 Home Energy Assessment Kits to a range of householders and community organisations.
5. Upgrades and Retrofits: They secured funding for LED lightbulbs through Eirgrid to upgrade community buildings, and applied to the Community Climate Action Programme for solar panels.. They supported homeowners to carry our energy upgrades, encouraged the move to electric vehicles and encouraged energy saving behaviours in the community.
6. Public Events: They presentedtheir work at national conferences such as the ‘Mary Robinson Climate Change Conference’ in Ballina, the IMMA Earth Rising Festival, the Department of Community and Rural Development (DRCD) ‘National Community Climate Action’ conference, the International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC) Conference and the Feminist Climate Action conference, in addition to presenting to local councillors and the Public Participation Network (PPNs). 

Next steps

The next step for the SEC is to connect with businesses. They plan to  establish  a working group to examine how best to  engage with this sector. They will develop more bespoke information on grants and supports relevant to local businesses, meet with business owners/managers and work closely with Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and Youghal Business Alliance to reach this sector directly.