A local environmental company has partnered with National Energy Action Northern Ireland (NEA NI) to donate bags of logs to community groups across Northern Ireland.

Greentown Environmental Limited recognised the increasing fuel poverty faced by many households in Northern Ireland and reached out to NEA NI for advice on how best to support communities in need.

“Greentown is actively involved in supporting communities, providing social value to customers and the wider public. This donation to community groups in conjunction with NEA NI will support, even in a small way, those most in need,” said founder and Managing Director of Greentown, John-Ross Armstrong.

“Greentown has experienced significant expansion of its tree felling services within the last 12 months due to increasing storm levels and ash die back infection. It decided to implement the initiative as part of its charitable endeavours.

“Before Christmas, Greentown staff assisted in cutting the logs for drying over the winter months and with support from local suppliers was able to make a substantial donation of logs to five community groups across Northern Ireland.”

James McGrath, Head of Operations for Greentown added that: “This charity initiative is a concept that is aligned to our tree services division that also allows Greentown to provide a collective benefit to the community.”

Mr. McGrath further explained the work of Greentown in achieving professional accreditation for its tree services: “In 2021, Greentown obtained Amenity and Utility approved accreditation from the Arboricultural Association for professional tree surgery. Greentown is the first contractor in Ireland to hold both accreditations which is testament to our focus on safe systems of work, training and quality standards.”

NEA NI Director Pat Austin said: “We estimate that these unprecedented increases to the cost of energy have plunged up to 40 per cent of Northern Ireland households into fuel poverty and we need to draw on all levers to help support the vulnerable. This initiative goes some way in doing that and we commend Greentown for reaching out to us to target this much needed support.”

It is envisaged that the firewood will be delivered to community groups across Northern Ireland before the end of April 2022.

Lakeland Community Care will be helping to deliver the logs to those in need throughout Fermanagh.