1,000 jobs are due to be created after 82 renewable energy projects were greenlit by the Government.
Investment of €1.4bn is planned for the solar, wind and community energy projects.
The plans come after the Government approved the results of the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction.
As part of the July Stimulus package, the Government also allocated funding for green apprenticeships which will support these investments, particularly in the Midlands.
The projects which were successful in the auction include five solar energy and two onshore wind community projects located in counties Kilkenny, Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Clare and Cork.
The projects will be owned "in the majority by communities", with revenues from their operation invested back into those areas.
Speaking at the announcement today, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan said: "The first RESS auction provides us with a platform for rapid deployment of onshore wind and solar projects at scale and at least cost, replacing fossil fuels on our energy grid.
"The results are very competitive and represent a significant saving on previous support schemes.
“We have exceeded our target for Community projects participation.
"Seven communities are being supported to produce their own power and share in the ownership of Ireland’s energy revolution, while inspiring others to follow.
"We expect that our next auction will have a higher share of community-based renewables.”
