Large audiences attended the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in Ennis recently, where engaging communities across the county heard about the future of the electricity grid and details of Clare County Council’s Climate Action Plan.
“The level of community climate action is huge in Clare,” remarked Chris Dixon O’Mara, Climate Action Officer, Clare County Council, as he outlined some of the details of the local authority’s plans to embark on initiatives to help climate action efforts, including deep retrofitting of social housing and the delivery of an electric vehicle strategy.
The event also heard from Michael Mahon, Chief infrastructure Officer, EirGrid who outlined the growing need for renewable energy on the electricity, with the grid needing to carry triple the amount of renewable energy by 2030.
Alan Keegan from ESB Networks discussed smart metering, micro and mini generation, such as solar panels on roofs of homes and taking control of energy use outside peak hours.
Providing an insightful presentation on the benefits of home energy upgrades and the energy transition, Lorraine Power of Clare Local Development Company and SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Mentor, provided information about what grants are available to people, communities and small businesses seeking to cut energy costs.
The audience heard there are currently 45 sustainable energy communities across Clare, working together to create sustainable energy systems.
With Clare County Council recently adopting its Climate Action Plan, the event was given an outline of its contents and ambition for achieving the county’s sustainable future.
Among many measures, the council aims to develop a risk assessment of coastal erosion, transition heating to renewable sources and partner with over 100 organisations to deliver on the plan’s objectives.
A robust questions and answers section facilitated by MC Ciáran Mulooly, concluded proceedings, covering an array of topics, including data centre electricity consumption and changes to payment policies for micro and small-scale electricity generators.
Speaking following the event, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley, said: “At EirGrid, we want to engage with people, listen to them and get their feedback, while providing an opportunity to access timely and relevant information regarding energy and the future of the electricity grid.
The large attendance and the level of engagement from communities across the county showed that people want to be part of a cleaner energy future in a way that can also benefit them. We thank all those who attended, including all the local expert exhibitors.”
