10-Year Partnership Supports 8,500 Families at Risk of Homelessness

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Bord Gáis Energy and Focus Ireland mark decade of impact with report launch and new EnergyCloud initiative delivering free hot water to vulnerable homes

Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy today marked a decade of partnership, celebrating the impact of a collaboration that has supported 8,500 families at risk of homelessness across Ireland. The partnership, hailed by Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan as “an exemplar of how a corporate collaboration can deliver for the charity partner,” provided over €7.5 million* in funding through donations, campaign support, and colleague-led fundraising and matching, with Bord Gáis Energy colleagues also volunteering over 8,000 hours over the past 10 years.

To mark the milestone, both organisations announced details of their latest collaboration – free hot water for 45 Focus Ireland homes through the installation of EnergyCloud smart devices, fully funded and installed by Bord Gáis Energy. The homes, located in Finglas and Dungarvan, will receive hot water when surplus renewable energy is available, reducing energy bills and preventing energy waste.

Key Impacts from 10 Years of Partnership:

• €4.4 million in philanthropic donations from Bord Gáis Energy
• €9.1 million raised through Shine A Light, Focus Ireland’s national campaign
• 8,500 families and individuals supported
• €405,000 in additional fundraising through colleague efforts and company matched giving
• Over 8,379 volunteer hours contributed by Bord Gáis Energy colleagues
• Funding of LEAP, Focus Ireland’s Lived Experience Ambassador Programme

Speaking at the anniversary event in Dublin, attended by Lord Mayor Emma Blain and hosted by broadcaster Brendan Courtney, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: “Today, more than 15,580 people are homeless in Ireland – including over 4,600 children. With more families at risk, partnerships like this are critical. Beyond vital fundraising, Bord Gáis Energy has been a genuine advocate – lending its voice, people, expertise, and resources to our mission. This is corporate collaboration at its best.”

Dave Kirwan, Managing Director of Bord Gáis Energy, said: “Our partnership with Focus Ireland is embedded in the heart of our business. It’s about more than money – it's about advocacy, action, and innovation. Our engineers have upgraded heating systems, our colleagues sleep out to raise awareness, and now we’re helping families access free hot water using surplus renewables through EnergyCloud. We are proud to support Focus Ireland and will continue to do all we can to help end homelessness in Ireland.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, praised the partnership: “Homelessness is a complex issue that needs all sectors working together. Focus Ireland’s work, backed by the long-term support of Bord Gáis Energy, shows how much can be achieved through genuine collaboration. This is about shared purpose – not just funding, but real action and engagement.”

Tomás Sercovich, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland, added: “This partnership is a standout example of how businesses can drive social impact. From strategic financial support to using customer platforms and business networks for advocacy, Bord Gáis Energy’s partnership with Focus Ireland sets a new standard.”

Innovation in Action: New EnergyCloud Rollout

The launch of EnergyCloud marks the next step in the collaboration. This not-for-profit initiative redirects surplus renewable electricity to homes in need. Smart devices installed in 45 Focus Ireland homes will automatically trigger hot water production when surplus wind energy is available, reducing energy bills and energy waste. Benefits include support for families under financial pressure; preventing energy waste (over 1,000 GWh in 2024 alone); and delivering clean energy to where it’s needed most.

Programme Highlights

Shine A Light Campaign - Since 2018, Bord Gáis Energy has powered Focus Ireland’s annual sleep-out events, contributing to over €9.1 million raised and engaging businesses and communities nationwide.

LEAP – Lived Experience Ambassador Programme - Sponsored by Bord Gáis Energy, LEAP empowers those who’ve experienced homelessness to inform policy and raise awareness. Ambassadors have spoken at the Oireachtas, EU forums, and company events.

Heating Upgrades at Aylward Green - Engineers and apprentices from Bord Gáis Energy volunteered to install high-efficiency boilers and smart heating controls across 24 Focus Ireland homes in Finglas, cutting energy bills by €6,000 a year.

Targeted Advertising Campaigns - Bord Gáis Energy developed and funded regional campaigns for the Focus Ireland Advice and Information Helpline, increasing calls and helping 90% of callers in the southeast remain in their homes.

Download the report here