Sustainable energy initiatives outlined at Tipperary event

A recent Tipperary event heard about local initiatives to ensure a more sustainable county.

The EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow took place in Cashel, and heard from experts from SEAI (Ireland’s national sustainable energy authority), ESB Networks and Tipperary County Council to provide information about home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants, community micro-generation schemes and initiatives to ensure a more sustainable future for Tipperary.

Clare Lee, Climate Action Coordinator with Tipperary County Council told the seminar about a number of plans by the local authority to make Tipperary a more energy efficient county.

The local authority initiatives include deep retrofitting of local buildings and the delivery of community engagement activities aimed at encouraging sustainability across the county.

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Matthew Staunton, Onshore and Offshore Project Manager at EirGrid told attendees about EirGrid’s plans to ensure the transition to a climate resilient and environmentally sustainable Ireland, and the growing need for renewable energy on the electricity grid, while Sean Kelly from ESB Networks discussed micro and mini generation, such as solar panels on roofs of homes and taking control of energy use outside peak hours.

Also at the event, Gearoid Fitzgibbon, of SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities provided information about grants that are available to citizens, and the 34 sustainable energy communities across Tipperary, who are working together to create sustainable energy systems.

Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley said that the event provides EirGrid with an opportunity to listen to people in local communities and get their feedback on the future of the energy grid.

"At EirGrid, we want to engage with people, listen to them and get their feedback, while providing an opportunity to access up to date and relevant information regarding energy and the future of the electricity grid. As we work to ensure eighty percent of Ireland’s electricity comes from renewables sources, as per Government targets, we recognise the importance of bringing communities with us on the journey as we transition to a clean, renewable energy grid," she said.

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"EirGrid is playing a central role in Ireland’s efforts to reduce emissions and achieve our climate goals and the attendance and the level of engagement from communities showed the appetite for information surrounding renewable energy." Ms Dooley added.

"We thank all those who attended, including all the local exhibitors and in particular we would like to thank the hard-working committee in Halla Na Feile for hosting the event.”