A Government grant of more than half a million euro for energy efficiency schemes in Donegal will see Arranmore become a ‘green energy’ island.
Minister Joe McHugh has welcomed funding of €584,548 for projects across County Donegal including the Arranmore Island Energy Committee.
Non-residential buildings receiving upgrades include Ballyliffin Golf Club, Coiste Forbacha Cnoc Fola Community Hall, Cranford Community Centre, White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre and Scoil Roisin.
It’s part of a €26 million spend nationally authorised by Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.
Community energy projects across Ireland have been included. The projects were successful in their applications under this year’s round of the Better Energy Communities (BEC) scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on behalf of the Department.
Minister Joe McHugh said: “The Arranmore Island project is part of a 5 Year Sustainable Community Development Plan.
“The Arranmore Island Energy Committee is spearheading this project which consists of both domestic and non-domestic aspects and I want to pay tribute to their dedication to this process.
“The project forms part of the Arranmore Energy Plan 2012-2032, a long-term vision for sustainable development on the Island. It is an innovative solution towards addressing depopulation and emigration, with funding to protect it’s unique Gaeltacht Community and Culture.”
The Community has an active track record in sustainable strategies and aims to deliver a range of energy sources, where suitable.
There are 49 residential units within the project, all 49 being fuel-poor, spread across the Arranmore.
The measures include heat pump upgrades, photovoltaic and lighting upgrades, windows, door, boiler and insulation retrofits.
“The total investment in energy efficiency is almost €67 million, supporting more than 1,000 jobs in the construction sector right across the country, and I am delighted to see Arranmore has been deservingly included as part of this plan,” Minister McHugh added
Note to editor: This year’s funding will provide for energy efficiency upgrades to more than 2,013 homes, of which 1,510 are energy poor, and a further 479 community, public and commercial facilities. The projects include a wide range of upgrades to fabric (insulation), heating systems, lighting and solar heating. Over 350,000 people across Ireland have improved the energy efficiency in their homes through Government grants and specifically 300 community energy projects have received funding and support over the past five years, resulting in 15,000 homes and hundreds of community, private and public buildings improving their energy efficiency. Engaging with communities is the best way to convince people of the benefits of energy efficiency and to support them in making the buildings they use in their daily lives more comfortable, healthier and cheaper to heat and light. Energy and Climate Action are inextricably linked. Using less energy, and using it more efficiently, is the most cost effective and accessible way for us all to take action on climate change.
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