First steps towards ‘greening’ the Dingle Peninsula

THERE is no easy way to meet the dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is planned in Ireland over the next 10 years but at least the people of West Kerry have a map of the road ahead and the challenges involved.

This roadmap is contained in the broad-based ‘Corca Dhuibhne 2030’ initiative, which includes a detailed breakdown of current energy usage and greenhouse gas emission levels on the Dingle Peninsula and a range of strategies for reducing these by up to 50 per cent by the year 2030.

The initiative, which was launched in Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne on Thursday night, was drawn up by the Dingle Hub/Dingle Sustainable Energy Community group, working in conjunction with MaREI (Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland), the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), NEWKD, Kerry County Council, ESB Networks and various energy experts.

As well as producing the Energy Masterplan, the Corca Dhuibhne 2030 initiative includes several strands such as the ongoing ESB Networks Dingle Project, an ‘energy mentor’ programme to provide information to the public on energy conservation and emission reductions, a project aimed at developing an energy-producing anaerobic digester on the peninsula, a public transport initiative, and a strand focused on greening the local tourism industry.

The Energy Masterplan, which is central to the whole project, shows that while the Dingle Peninsula has a relatively low per capita output of environmentally damaging carbon dioxide (7 tonnes a year per person v. 7.4 tonnes nationally), we have a huge reliance on oil for heating and transport.

Working from the energy consumption data the masterplan outlines various paths to greater energy efficiency in our homes, transport, tourism, agriculture and other areas. Taking these steps costs money and requires commitment but the achievement of the Corca Dhuibhne 2030 initiative is that it outlines practical steps that can be taken and then provides support to help people get there.

More information on the Corca Dhuibhne 2030 initiative is available online at dinglepeninsula2030.com

Photo by Declan Malone Pobalscoil students Aaron Scharer and Cillian Ryan demonstrating the power of solar panels at the launch of Corca Dhuibhne 2030 in Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne on Thursday night.

Coláiste Íde students Críóna Ní Riordáin, Ciara Ní Shé, Alison Ní Mhathúna and Sadhbh Ní Chonchúir with their presentation on solar energy.

ESB ambassador and energy mentor Donnachadha Ó Ghealbháin at the launch of Corca Dhuibhne 2030.