Decarbonising Zone News
Solar Meitheal Opportunity in the Tipperary Decarbonising Zone
Householders, community organisations and small businesses across five communities in the Tipperary Decarbonising Zone (DZ) are being invited to take part in a new Solar Meitheal initiative aimed at making solar energy more accessible and affordable.
Inspired by the traditional Irish concept of Meitheal, where neighbours worked together to save hay, harvest crops or cut turf, today's version focuses on helping communities work together to install solar energy systems. Thereby saving cost and accessing free expert advice.
The Solar Meitheal project is being piloted in Loughmore, Castleiney, Moyne, Templetuohy and Glengoole, along with their surrounding areas. The Tipperary Decarbonising Zone, with twelve villages, is the largest rural Decarbonising Zone in Ireland. Its purpose is lead on the roll out of climate action and sustainability initiatives that can be replicated elsewhere. This Solar Meitheal project will explore how communities can work together to increase the uptake of renewable energy and create a model that could be replicated across County Tipperary and beyond.
Community Inforamtion Meetings
- Moyne Community Hall Wednesday 22nd July at 8PM
- Loughmore Community Hall Wednesday 29th July at 8PM
- Glengoole Community Hall Wednesday 5th August at 8PM
The initiative is being delivered by Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA) during Summer and Autumn on 2026 on behalf of Tipperary County Council. It builds on successful community energy programmes carried out elsewhere in Ireland and on feedback gathered through recent engagement events across the Decarbonising Zone.
The Solar Meitheal project forms part of the wider vision for the Tipperary Decarbonising Zone and is supported through the Decarbonising Zone Demonstrator Fund from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
Most importantly, the initiative highlights the leadership and commitment already being shown by communities across the region. It demonstrates that when people work together, they can achieve meaningful change and play an active role in building a more sustainable future.
Anyone interested can download the attached Expression of Interest form below and
find more information at www.tippenergy.ie/solar or email [email protected].
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Tipperary Decarbonising Zone (DZ)
Plans and activities being advanced in 2026
- DZ Stakeholder Group Sustainable Energy Community established.
- An Energy Masterplan will identify energy solutions for business and communities across the DZ.
- Supporting local communities to deliver rooftop solar pv solutions through 'Solar Meitheal' projects.
- Biodiversity enhancement opportunities and actions will be a key focus in 2026.
- Place making - village renewal and regeneration to support active and vibrant communities.
- Active travel providing viable cycling and walking options.
- Nature-based solutions for clean air and water.
- Future thinking for healthy, vibrant and resillient communities.
Held on 17th September 2025 Powering our Communities
Was an Information event for communities in the Tipperary Decarbonising Zone about clean energy options.
Register Here
Are you interested in clean energy solutions for your home that can save money? Does your local community have ideas for building upgrades, rooftop solar, or community energy generation?
A public information event on clean energy solutions will take place on Wednesday 17th September in the Moycarkey-Borris Community & Sports Centre, Littleton. The purpose of the meeting is to bring together local communities who want to progress and deliver cleaner, cheaper energy solutions in their local area.
The event will provide an opportunity for communities to network and learn from others, with updates on projects currently underway, with funding and technical advice from specialist staff from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA), EcoVision, Community Power, and Tipperary County Council.
The event will commence at 7.00pm on Wednesday 17th September with light refreshments on arrival and information stands and advice from the key service providers. Then a number of community case studies will be presented as examples of good practice for what can be achieved. Those who attend will hear from experts on specific topics such as building retrofitting, rooftop solar, and renewable electricity generation.
If you are interested in attending please register in advance on Eventbrite here 👉 Powering our Communities Tickets, Wed, Sep 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite
or alternatively email [email protected]
