This programme is a structured, foundation-level training designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of community engagement within the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. It addresses a recognised gap in current provision, which is predominantly process-oriented, by developing the interpersonal, communication, and conflict management competencies required for effective stakeholder engagement.
The course is sector-relevant but technology-neutral, ensuring applicability across wind, solar, energy storage, and grid development projects. It is designed to support improved engagement outcomes, increased public trust, and more efficient project delivery through strengthened practitioner capability
Grant funding comes from Skillnet Ireland through the Irish National Training fund, and, as a result, is ONLYÂ available to residents of the Republic of Ireland who work as a sole trader, or for a private or semi-state commercial company registered in ROI. Please read Eligibility Criteria.
On successful completion of this course learners should be able to:
- Improve quality and consistency of community engagement practice
- Enhance stakeholder relationships and reduced conflict escalation
- Increase capacity within project teams to manage complex community dynamics
- Align with statutory obligations and best practice standards
1) Introduction to Renewable Energy
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- Strategic drivers for renewable energy adoption
- Overview of key technologies: wind, solar, battery storage, renewable gas
- Renewable energy project lifecycle: pre-planning, planning, construction, operation, decommissioning
2) Foundations of Community Engagement
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- Definition and principles of community engagement
- Statutory and regulatory requirements
- Value proposition for effective engagement
- Stakeholder identification and community mapping
3) Engagement Skills Development
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- Active listening and empathetic communication
- Structuring and managing difficult conversations
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Addressing misinformation and disinformation
- Scenario-based role play (challenging and emotional interactions)
4) Advocacy and Representation
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- Acting as an interface between community and project teams
- Capturing and communicating community concerns
- Supporting solution development and shared outcomes
- Enabling positive, community-led change within project frameworks
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- Community Liaison Officers (CLOs)
- Community engagement and stakeholder management professionals
- Project managers within renewable energy and infrastructure development
- Public affairs and external relations specialists
- Consents and planning professionals
- Duration: 1-day intensive, in-person training at the Aisling Hotel from 10am to 5pm.
- Methodology: Blended delivery including expert input, facilitated discussion, applied exercises, and scenario-based role play
- Learning approach: Practice-oriented, skills-based, with real-world case application
Neasa Kane Fine
Experienced Communications Professional
Neasa is an experienced communications professional with deep expertise in the renewable energy sector. She delivers stakeholder engagement and communications training, including for Community Liaison Officers, and lectures at Dublin City University.
With over 25 years’ experience, Neasa has provided strategic project communications for major infrastructure developments such as wind energy and national grid projects. Since joining Drury in 2025, she has trained technical experts and advised renewable energy clients on community engagement and media relations.
Previously, at RPS for over 16 years, Neasa led stakeholder engagement and consultation strategies for large public infrastructure projects. Her approach is transparent, empathetic, and fact‑based—focused on building understanding and guiding projects through statutory processes to delivery and operation.
Working closely with engineers, planners, and regulators, she combines technical insight with awareness of community, political, and regulatory contexts, providing strategic communications and issues management to support successful project outcomes.
