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EcoVision is delighted to announce its progression in the next phase of the European Citizen-Led Renovation (CLR) Enablers Project. A Europe-wide initiative focused on empowering communities to take the lead in home energy renovations.
Now entering its third phase, the project explores how citizen-led renovation can be developed and expanded across Europe. As an Enabler, EcoVision will work directly with local community organisations, known as CLR Collectives, such as Kantoher Development Group (Limerick), Galway Energy Co-operative, and Killeedy Community Housing Association (Limerick).
Each community group is at a different stage of its retrofit journey, and tailored training will be provided to help them build the skills and confidence needed to bring local homes forward for renovation. These groups will act as local coordinators, equipped to guide homeowners through the process and connect them with available supports and expertise.
EcoVision will act as technical backbone and facilitator for four CLR collectives, providing: Home energy audits and retrofit design. Grant and finance support, including bridging loans. Training for CLR Ambassadors to guide peers locally. Capacity building (45+ hours/year) and communications support. Data collection, case studies and replication of the CLR model nationally. The goal is to start the renovation journey with at least 40 homes by 2027, train eight ambassadors, and help each collective develop a sustainable business model for long-term citizen-led renovation.
Click here to see the full project overview.
Funded by the European Union.
Project Update – February 2026
We have had an exciting few weeks of activity across the CLR Enablers project, with a series of well-attended launch events bringing citizens together to explore practical pathways to energy upgrades and allowing them to collaboratively plan and deliver energy renovation projects.
Our first event took place on 22 January at The Ash in West County Limerick, in collaboration with our two distinct collectives, Kantoher Development Group (KDG) and Killeedy Housing Association (KHA). The evening featured presentations from EcoVision personnel alongside invited experts, including programme manager from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Vacant and Derelict Homes Officer for Limerick County Council. Citizens also took part in training, capacity-building and interactive sessions designed to support them taking the next steps on their retrofit journeys.
Momentum continued on 10 February in County Galway with the launch of our collective, Galway Energy Co-op. Approximately 50 local citizens joined us to learn more about the green energy transition and the supports available to them. As with our first launch, citizens heard from EcoVision personnel and a range of guest speakers, including the programme manager from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), a representative of Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, and one of the project coordinators from Galway Energy Co-op (GEC).
The event combined expert input with practical, hands-on engagement. Each attendee received a take-home information pack filled with guidance on topics identified by citizens as most important from upgrading vacant and derelict properties, to understanding energy tariffs, energy upgrade options, and the latest grant updates.
As Kieran Cunnane, Project Coordinator with Galway Energy Co-op, noted:
“Whether it’s achieving economies of scale through community grant applications, upgrading derelict properties, addressing fuel poverty among older residents, or understanding financing options, this event covers a wide range of practical issues.”
Máirtín Ó Méalóid added that the CLR Enablers programme mentors local organisations including Galway Energy Co Operative to support citizens through their retrofit journey, including enabling them to identify homes suitable for funded energy assessments
EcoVision are looking forward to bringing the CLR Enablers project to Thurles in the coming weeks, following a similar successful format and continuing to build strong, informed and empowered communities.
Case Study
Case Study 1 - From Information to Action: How a Galway Resident Accessed the Warmer Homes Scheme
“I came along just to learn more about improving the comfort of my home.”
For one Galway resident, attending the Citizen-Led Renovation launch event led to something bigger: discovering the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme and starting the process to upgrade his home.
This case study shows how community-based events, one-to-one advice and follow-up support can help residents move from curiosity to action on home energy upgrades.
