Killeedy

A small rural community, consisting of two villages, has been designated as a Clár region in Ireland, primarily due to a significant decline in population over the past five decades. Despite the challenges, the community remains deeply rooted in Irish traditions, including vibrant cultural practices such as traditional Irish music and Gaelic games. Notably, the community takes pride in its strong support for women's sports, particularly in the Camogie game. A key obstacle they encounter is the dwindling population, which directly impacts housing availability. However, the community has made substantial progress in establishing essential infrastructure to accommodate housing needs, exemplified by the implementation of an Integrated Constructed Wetland within a fully off-grid Eco Park, effectively treating wastewater and ensuring sustainable practices. There is also great wind resource in Killeedy (8-9 m/s) and around 40 mw of wind turbines all around the Mullaghareirk Mountains that Killeedy is located next to, but the community is not benefitting from it at the moment. Killeedy community is also a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), i.e. a community that works together to develop a sustainable energy system and is supported as part of the programme run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Killeedy SEC has developed an Energy Master Plan which has structured efforts in renewable energy and energy efficiency aspects in the community. There is also a lot of agricultural residue in the community due to poultry manure and 300,000 chickens a week being produced here.

Rewable energy Cluster Member

The village has made remarkable strides in the field of renewable and sustainable energy. A notable achievement is the implementation of an integrated constructed wetland covering a vast 13-acre site, effectively treating all wastewater generated by the community. To further their commitment to sustainability, an off-grid solar system has been established, ensuring a clean and independent energy source. The village has also fostered economic growth through the creation of an Enterprise Park, accommodating 14 thriving companies and generating 200 valuable job opportunities. With an unwavering focus on rural sustainability, the village recently
completed a local community facility, which has earned full BER accreditation. Furthermore, as a Sustainable Energy Community, the village has plans to develop an impressive 5MW of solar energy and 4.9MW of wind energy, further solidifying their commitment to a greener future.

Country

Ireland

Type

sparsely populated areas

Degree of urbanization

population of 950

Check out the village strategy:

Kileedy Parish Plan

Village Solutions

Kantoher Business Park

Kantoher Business Park now employs over 200 people with six businesses based there while the group has a conveyor belt of exciting projects ready for financing. With these operations growing annually KDG now sees an opportunity to grow Killeedy further by focusing once more on potential opportunities generated by the abundance of natural resources in the local area & surrounds. The Redbeed Sewage System project solves a problem in terms of tackling the sewage infrastructure in the park but it will do so in a way that has a low environmental impact & is sustainable.

Economy | Environment | Services

Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

With funding support from SEAI, Killeedy prepared a renewable energy feasibility study in the community where solar opportunities and challenges were identified. From the study, 5 MW of solar power could be installed across the business and agri sector. The vision involves a collective effort through a cooperative- based approach, aiming to provide solar power to every member of the community. The innovative ownership model allows individuals to possess the asset until they are prepared to make a purchase.

Environment | Services

Pub to hub – Refurbishment of old Ashford Tavern into a Music House

This project involved demolishing a section of the lounge and dance hall, the bones of the Ashford Tavern remain. The old, 19th-century building fronting onto the street has been retained and refurbished to provide a Teach Cheoil where the musical heritage and tradition of the area are nurtured, celebrated and promoted. The tavern was refurbished with underfloor heating, acoustics and a stage. A section of the ballroom was refurbished to provide a gym and youth space and joining the two makes a new extension, housing a kitchen, bathrooms and reception area. More than 100 children take traditional Irish music classes.

Economy | Living | People

Contact Information

Kantoher Development Group Ltd., jackoconnorwte@gmail.com

https://kantoherdevelopment.wordpress.com/
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