A warmer, greener, safer centre
Between May 2025 and August 2026, with support of 93,007 euro from the Dormant Accounts Fund, we carried out the biggest upgrade our centre in Kilfenora has had since we opened. The building we teach, cook, gather and host in is now warmer, safer and running on renewable energy.
It matters more than a list of works suggests. Our winters used to be quiet because the building was cold and expensive to heat. Now we can keep our doors open all year, which means more free and low cost places for the folks who need them most.
What the funding paid for
A 47 panel solar array, 21.6 kWp, with 25 kWh of battery storage, and an upgraded ESB connection so surplus power goes back to the grid
A 16 kW air to water heat pump, a new cylinder and 12 radiators, replacing the oil boiler entirely
External insulation and a new render on the main building, and repairs to the Lodge windows and doors
A complete replacement of the fire alarm and emergency lighting system
New eaves and gutters, so the building stays dry and we can start harvesting rainwater
The full project came to 101,381 euro. We met the balance ourselves, with help from SEAI and the Airtricity Green Generations Fund. Every contractor was hired locally through open quotes.
What is means for our community
Over 5,200 people took part in what we do in 2025, and more than 4,000 so far in 2026. Most of them came free of charge. They include folks from our Queer Sheds network, people living in international protection accommodation, people retraining in building and repair skills, and neighbours who would otherwise spend the winter on their own.
Lower running costs go straight back into that. Money we are not spending on oil is money that keeps a place on a course affordable.
The systems are also teaching tools. We use the heat pump, the array and the insulation in our courses and tours, so anyone weighing up the same work on their own home can see how it actually looks once it is in.
This project was approved by Government with support from the Dormant Accounts Fund
Administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Want to see it for yourself? We would love to have you join us. Come and visit, or get in touch.
