Energy provider SSE Airtricity says it has supported rural community projects to the tune of €5 million over the past nine years. The renewable energy firm has published a new report, Energising Communities in Rural Ireland, detailing its funding for community groups in the vicinity of its wind farms since 2008.

It awarded more than €700,000 last year to 247 projects across rural Ireland, with most of it going towards projects to improve energy efficiency.

These included the insulation of community buildings, the installation of solar panels, the replacement of windows and doors, and upgrades to energy-efficient lighting.