Local Energy Agencies for Peripheral Regions

The LEAP (Local Energy Agencies for Peripheral Regions) project which started in November 2022 and will run until April 2026, comprises three non-profit organisations in North and West Ireland, specifically in Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, and West County Galway. LEAP addresses energy efficiency challenges in these regions, characterised by dispersed older homes and heavy reliance on oil and solid fuels. The project supports homeowners by coordinating retrofits, developing local projects, and guiding them through the entire renovation process, from assessments to securing grants. LEAP operates in collaboration with the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and County Councils, and it is funded by an EU LIFE CET grant, homeowner fees, and the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS).

The success of the LEAP project lies in its ability to create strong partnerships, both locally and regionally, while maintaining a focus on the specific needs of peripheral regions in Ireland. By leveraging the expertise and support of the Atlantic Technological University and County Councils, LEAP has built a robust model for energy retrofitting that is both scalable and replicable. The project’s emphasis on collaboration, trust-building with homeowners, and streamlined processes has enabled it to overcome challenges associated with dispersed housing and a fragmented supply chain. As a result, LEAP has successfully retrofitted numerous homes and continues to expand its impact, helping Ireland meet its climate action targets.

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