🔧 Redevelopment Project
Major building and energy upgrades securing the future of our Community Centre.
The Silvermines Community Centre is undergoing a significant redevelopment programme designed to modernise the building, improve energy efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability. These upgrades will enhance comfort, reduce running costs, and support the wide range of activities, events, and community groups that rely on the centre every week.
🏗️ Redevelopment Overview
The redevelopment programme includes three major upgrade streams: a Climate Action Grant-funded building efficiency project, a large-scale solar energy installation supported by a LEADER grant, and a proposed Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF) grant application for internal redevelopment. Together, these works represent the most substantial investment in the centre in decades.
- 🏠 Climate Action Grant – Building Efficiency: New external windows and doors, and internal insulation upgrades to improve comfort and reduce heat loss.
- 🔋 LEADER Grant – Solar Energy Upgrade: Installation of a 60-panel solar PV system, hybrid inverters, and battery storage to significantly reduce electricity costs.
- 🏛️ CCIF – Internal Redevelopment (Application): Construction of two new meeting rooms, redevelopment of the toilet block into a unisex and disability-accessible facility, upgraded fire-safety construction, new wiring, a dedicated fusebox, and installation of fire detection and emergency lighting.
- 🔥 Heating & Energy Efficiency: Improved insulation, modern heating controls, and energy-saving measures across the building.
- 🔌 Electrical System Upgrade: Modernisation of wiring, lighting, and safety components to meet current standards.
- 🚪 Accessibility Enhancements: Improved access routes and upgraded facilities to ensure the building is welcoming to all users.
☀️ Solar Energy Upgrade (LEADER Grant)
The centre has signed a major LEADER grant contract with North Tipperary Development Company (NTDC) to deliver a large-scale solar energy upgrade. This project includes the installation of a 60-panel solar PV array, hybrid inverters, and battery storage. The system will generate clean electricity, reduce annual energy costs, and support long-term sustainability.
The solar upgrade is a key part of the centre’s climate action strategy, helping reduce carbon emissions while ensuring predictable, stable energy costs for years to come.
🏠 Climate Action Building Upgrade (Climate Action Grant)
The centre has secured a Climate Action Grant to deliver essential energy-efficiency upgrades to the building. This grant supports works that will significantly reduce heat loss, improve comfort, and lower long-term heating costs.
The Climate Action Grant covers:
- Replacement of all external windows with modern, energy-efficient units.
- Replacement of external doors to improve insulation, security, and accessibility.
- Internal insulation upgrades to improve warmth and reduce heating demand.
These works represent a major step forward in modernising the building and ensuring it remains comfortable, efficient, and sustainable for all users.
🏛️ Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF) Application
The centre has applied for the Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF) to support a major internal redevelopment of part of the building. This project focuses on replacing outdated internal areas with modern, functional spaces that meet current safety and accessibility standards.
If awarded, the CCIF grant will fund:
- Construction of two new meeting rooms to replace old storage areas and provide flexible spaces for community groups, training, and activities.
- Creation of a new unisex and disability-accessible toilet block, including a raised roof structure and completion of all first-fix plumbing.
- Upgraded fire-safety construction using fire-rated materials and improved structural elements to meet modern compliance standards.
- New electrical installation including wiring, lighting, sockets, and a dedicated fusebox for this section of the building.
- Installation of fire detection and emergency lighting systems to ensure safety and reliability for all users.
This proposed redevelopment would transform the internal layout of the centre, creating modern, safe, and accessible facilities that support a wide range of community uses.
📅 Project Timeline
The redevelopment programme is being delivered in structured phases:
- Phase 1 – Planning & Assessment: Building surveys, energy assessments, and preparation of grant applications.
- Phase 2 – Solar PV Installation: Installation of 60 solar panels, hybrid inverters, and battery storage.
- Phase 3 – Windows & Doors Upgrade (Climate Action Grant): Replacement of external windows and doors with modern, energy-efficient units.
- Phase 4 – Insulation & Interior Works: Internal insulation upgrades, repairs, painting, and general refurbishment.
- Phase 5 – Electrical & Heating Improvements: Modernisation of wiring, lighting, heating controls, and energy-saving systems.
- Phase 6 – CCIF Internal Redevelopment (Pending): Flooring, lighting, storage, and interior modernisation works.
Updates will be added to this page as each phase progresses.
💶 Funding & Support
All redevelopment works to date have been funded through national and local grant schemes. The LEADER grant funds the solar energy upgrade, the Climate Action Grant supports building efficiency improvements, and the CCIF grant—if awarded—will complete the internal redevelopment phase.
However, the grants will not cover every aspect of the redevelopment. Additional fundraising is now required to complete remaining works, address uncovered costs, and support future improvements. Community fundraising will play an important role in ensuring the centre can finish the full redevelopment programme.
🌱 Long-Term Community Impact
Once completed, the redevelopment will significantly enhance the quality, comfort, and sustainability of the Silvermines Community Centre. The upgraded building will support a wider range of activities, including heritage exhibitions, educational courses, cultural events, workshops, meetings, and community celebrations.
The solar energy system will reduce running costs and ensure long-term financial stability, while the building upgrades will improve comfort and accessibility for all users. Together, these works represent a major investment in the future of Silvermines.
🔗 Further Information
For detailed updates on the redevelopment programme, see the following articles:
🤝 Community Support
The redevelopment of the Silvermines Community Centre is being delivered through grant funding, with additional fundraising now required to complete remaining phases and support future improvements. Local involvement—whether through donations, volunteering, or participation in fundraising events—will help ensure the centre continues to grow and develop as a valued space for everyone in the village and surrounding area.