Dunleer leading out nationwide energy scheme
A community based energy saving programme, inspired by the Dunleer Community Development Board, is going nationwide.
‘Following the very successful launch of the Energy Ambassadors programme in March this year we were asked by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and SuperValu to deliver to a number of communities around the country. Our board sees this work as fitting with our vision of communities helping other communities,’ project leader Eugene Conlon stated.
The programme began in Dunleer when the local group secured funding for energy saving in 16 local homes and centres.
It was deemed such a success, that it was rolled out for the mid Louth area, with the Dunleer group spearheading it. Up to 150 homes have now benefited from the scheme.
On the 14th November, the Millennium centre, Caherconlish, Co Limerick was the first of these nationwide deliveries and the others planned before Christmas are Castlerea, Co Roscommon, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, Rathangan Co Wicklow and Knocklyon Co Dublin, with more planned for the new year.
Eugene says that people have taken to the idea because there’s no spin and it’s been driven by a local community group.
‘People can get confused or know little about energy saving for their home but the groups we meet say it’s great to hear it from us. We can advise them about how to get funding and the pitfalls and they see what has been achieved in mid Louth,’ Eugene added.
They are looking at doing up to 30 deliveries next year.
The programme provides objective information on practical tips on how to achieve efficiency in conserving and controlling energy in homes and places of work, resulting in saving money.
The ultimate aim is sharing knowledge and providing advice and guidance to communities on the advantages of working together to access funding and grants for energy upgrades, which are presently available to home owners, business and community groups, many of which they are unaware of.
The presentation is inter-active and runs for 70 minutes, facilitating 20 participants, and the content is endorsed by the Centre for Renewable Energy at Dundalk Institute of Technology, and is delivered by the Dunleer Team, consisting of a Qualified Energy Specialist plus a community rep.