Communities across Ireland are getting organised to improve they way they source and use energy. Soaring prices combined with the environmental issues are obvious reasons. Also, advances in technology and developing community energy sharing schemes offer new opportunities to save money as well as the planet. This work is supported nationally by SEAI and in Clare by CLDC.
Lisdoonvarna and Doolin are already working on energy plans, and other communities in North Clare are also starting – with the intention of collaborating, learning and sharing with each other in helping households, farmers and businesses to find more economical and futureproofed energy supplies.
The first step is to obtain a grant to create a Masterplan and choose an approved consultant. Our Kilfenora Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) project team has now done this. The launch of the Kilfenora Master Plan took place in our Community Hall on 9 February 2023, with some 30 villagers attending along with local public representatives. Colm Garvey from Clare-Energy, our consultant, gave a presentation of what the Masterplan comprises and what steps to take – click this link to view it.
The first step is for Kilfenora community members to fill in the household Energy Survey. Having done this, it also possible to book in for Energy Clinic (30-minute slots, free of charge) with the consultant to review your household energy usage, costs and opportunities to save. There will also be a Workshop in the Hall on 7 March (8pm) intended to brief community members on what can be done. Please use these links:
https://bit.ly/kilfenoraenergysurvey
https://bit.ly/kilfenoraenergyclinic
It only takes a few minutes to fill in the survey. If your family members or neighbours aren’t able to access the online form, maybe you could be so kind and give them a hand? A few paper forms will also be available. The survey results will be used to identify Kilfenora’s energy needs and potential for improvement, thereby building a more economical and sustainable energy future for us all.
More information will follow as we keep working on this project. To keep up to date you can also follow us on Facebook
