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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. These are Kantoher Development Group (Limerick), Galway Energy Co-operative, Killeedy Community Housing Association (Limerick) and most recently Thurles Sustainable Energy Community (Tipperary).
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 – June 2026
Thurles Sustainable Energy Community (SEC)
EcoVision is pleased to share that our latest Collective, Thurles SEC, will be hosting its launch event in Thurles in the early Autumn. The launch will follow a similar format to our previous events, with presentations from EcoVision and guest experts, as well as training, capacity building and interactive sessions for local citizens. Be sure to keep an eye on our social channels for further details on the event.
This marks EcoVision’s fourth Collective within the Citizen-Led Renovation project, representing an important step in supporting the town and its citizens on their retrofit journey through local, community-led engagement.
Looking ahead, EcoVision will also begin work in Cashel as project coordinators alongside Cashel Tidy Towns, with exciting activity set to get underway soon.
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-operative (GEC). 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
CLR Enablers (Citizen-Led Renovation Enablers) is a European initiative that supports citizens in taking a leading role in improving the energy performance of their homes and buildings. The project aims to develop and strengthen citizen-led renovation models that help communities plan, finance, and implement energy upgrades.
Citizen-led renovation is an approach where local people and communities play an active role in shaping and delivering building renovation projects. Rather than relying solely on external organisations, communities are empowered to identify their needs, make informed decisions, and work together to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
A ‘Collective’ is the official project term for the groups of local residents who come together to explore and deliver energy-related projects within their area. These collectives help communities share knowledge, identify common challenges, and work collaboratively towards improving energy efficiency and sustainability.
The CLR Enablers project aims to:
- Increase energy efficiency in homes and buildings.
- Support communities in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.
- Build local knowledge and capacity around renovation and energy planning.
- Develop and test citizen-led renovation models that can be replicated across Europe.
- Address barriers that prevent people from undertaking energy upgrades.
The project is designed to support:
- Homeowners.
- Community groups and organisations.
- Local energy communities and collectives.
- Stakeholders involved in sustainable renovation and community development.
The project provides training, capacity-building, and support to help communities understand renovation options, identify suitable funding opportunities, and navigate the renovation process. It also promotes knowledge-sharing between communities and project partners across Europe.
The CLR Enablers project itself does not directly fund renovation works. However, it aims to help communities and homeowners better understand available funding opportunities, grants, and support mechanisms that may be available in their region.
There are a limited number of free technical assessments available for eligible households in each collective.
Improving the energy performance of buildings reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By supporting large-scale community participation in renovation activities, the project contributes to national and European climate and energy targets.
Citizen-led approaches can help build trust, increase participation, and ensure renovation solutions are tailored to local needs. By working together, communities can often achieve greater impact than individuals acting alone.
Updates, news, events, and resources will be shared through the project website, partner organisations, and community engagement activities. Follow EcoVision’s website and social media channels for the latest information.
