EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) celebrated their partnership today at the RNLI’s Business for Lifeboats event.

Their partnerships have been supporting three lifeboat stations along the south coast; at Youghal in Cork and at Helvick and Dunmore East in Waterford.

The RNLI

Killian O’Kelly, RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead, Ireland Region, said “We are thrilled to celebrate our partnership with EirGrid, whose generous support will play a vital role in funding events across the three stations.

“This collaboration not only strengthens community engagement but also helps us enhance our lifesaving efforts in these coastal areas.”

The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government, depending on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

“Together with EirGrid, we look forward to making a meaningful impact and ensuring the RNLI has a sustainable future,” said Killian.

Photography by Peter Grogan, CREADAN Consultancy.

EirGrid sponsors a range of RNLI activities including equipment support and community focused events.

The sponsorships also help the charity continue to deliver essential services, including lifeboat launches, training exercises and public events hosted by the stations.

Many volunteers dedicate their time to training for and responding to emergencies on the Waterford and Cork coastline. Just last year, lifeboat crews from the three stations launched 53 times, bringing 45 people to safety.

EirGrid

Ronan Lynch, Fisheries Liaison Officer with EirGrid, and fifth generation RNLI volunteer said, “EirGrid is committed to bringing a supportive and responsible presence in communities.

“Partnering with the RNLI in stations across the south coast allows us to play our part in creating a safe coastline, while also connecting people and places that play a key role in Ireland’s energy future.

“As organisations rooted in local regions across Ireland, we have a shared commitment to ensuring communities are resilient, connected and supported.

“As a RNLI volunteer for three years in Ballycotton lifeboat station, I am proud to support their vital work and look forward to EirGrid’s continued work with the RNLI in Youghal, Helvick and Dunmore East for the years to come.”

EirGrid is playing a key role in meeting the Government’s Climate Action Plan commitment of having 80% of the State’s electricity needs coming from renewable energy.

The first state-led offshore renewable electricity connection in Ireland will be implemented as part of EirGrid’s Powering Up Offshore South Coast Project.

New infrastructure will bring the power generated by offshore windfarms into our national electricity grid.

This project will help deliver approximately 900 megawatts of additional electricity – enough to power almost one million homes with clean energy.

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