The Donegal Local Enterprise Office is urging eligible businesses throughout the county to take advantage of the recently expanded Energy Efficiency Grant, where they can now avail of up to €10,000 to replace eligible business equipment. The grant’s aim is to help local enterprises reduce their energy consumption and lower operating costs. This grant provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to enhance their energy efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable future while also achieving significant cost savings.

There are two specific supports available to all small businesses (up to 50 employees) in any sector that can set them on their green journey, the Green for Business programme and the Energy Efficiency Grant. 

The team at Filligans which recently availed of an Energy Efficiency Grant from Local Enterprise Office Donegal

One business that benefitted from the Energy Efficiency Grant is Filligans, a local company producing high quality jams, chutneys, relishes and oils, all handmade in Donegal: "As a business, we reached out to our Local Enterprise Office to explore the supports available to help us operate more efficiently and reduce energy costs,” said Willie Cremen, Director of Filligans. “We qualified for the Green for Business programme, which carried out a comprehensive assessment of everything from our production equipment to refrigeration. The programme helped us identify key areas for improvement and provided practical solutions, ensuring Filligans can run more efficiently and sustainably in the long term."

He added: ‘Our Green for Business report identified that our existing dishwasher and drying systems were inefficient and high energy users. With the Energy Efficiency Grant, we received funding to replace these with new equipment, while also saving energy consumption and improving business efficiency.”

Gerry Friel, General Manager, and Willie Cremen, Director of Filligans

Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal said: “For small businesses in any sector, it has never been easier to start their sustainability journey. Our team at Local Enterprise Office Donegal is here to support them every step of the way. As a starting point, we work closely with businesses to find the most convenient times to conduct a free Green for Business audit, ensuring minimal disruption. After the audit, we help interpret the results and identify practical next steps.”

Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal, encouraging businesses to contact them to see if they are eligible for the Energy Efficiency Grant.

“Many businesses will be eligible for the Energy Efficiency Grant, and we guide them through the entire application process,” Brenda added. “With our expertise and dedicated support, we make it simple for businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Not only do these changes contribute to a greener future, but they also result in significant savings in time, money, and energy, which is vital for businesses right now.”

The free Green for Business programme enables a green consultant to assess the business over a period of time; they then compile a comprehensive report for the business which they can then work with their Local Enterprise Office to implement. The changes will often see the business reduce energy outputs and close production loopholes to help save time and money.

Filligans produces high-quality jams, chutneys, relishes and oils, all handmade in Donegal

The expanded Energy Efficiency Grant enables businesses who have availed of  Green for Business  to apply for up to €10,000 of funding to implement the outlined changes.  This can all be carried out through the Local Enterprise Office in Donegal.  Any small business is being encouraged to reach out to their Local Enterprise Office to start the process.

Get in touch with the Local Enterprise Office in Donegal to see what supports are available for your business.

For more information on the eligibility criteria for the Energy Efficiency Grant, click here:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Financial-Supports/Energy-Efficiency-Grant/