Community groups from across Donegal gathered at Carnone Church Hall on Wednesday morning last to mark the delivery of the Better Energy Communities Programme in the county.
In 2018 six community-based groups along with a number of public sector buildings availed of just over €330,000 worth of energy efficiency upgrades.
The groups also availed of 38% grant aid from the 2018 SEAI Better Energy Communities Programme for a range of works including lighting upgrades, window replacement, insulation upgrades boiler upgrades.
Speaking at the event Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Seamus Neely said: “Climate change is the most significant threat faced by our world today and we all have a say in what our energy future will look like and we all have a responsibility to act.
It has become even more clear in the last few weeks that if we are to meet our energy targets we all need to take action,” he added.
“Critical to this success is a grassroots movement at a community-level and Donegal County Council is delighted to be a part of this community movement through this grant process.”
Donegal County Council co-ordinated the grant application process at a local level facilitating community groups who were keen to upgrade their facilities to become more energy efficient.
At an event in the Carnone Church Hall to mark the delivery of 2018 SEAI Better Energy Communities Programme in Donegal seated from left are Alex Buchanan, Carnone Hall, Harry Wallace, Carnone Hall, Seamus Neely, CE, Donegal County Council, Cllr. Patrick McGowan, Chairperson, Stranorlar Municipal District, Joe Peoples, Donegal County Council, Anna Slevin, Stranorlar Scouts Den and Bobby Slevin, Carnone Hall. Back from left Paddy Mullen, Donegal County Council, John Patterson, Carnone Hall, Eugene McHugh, Capry Rovers, Garry Gallen, Gallen Insulation, Judith McCarthy, Donegal County Museum, Cronan Scanlon, Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise, Neill Martin, Finn Valley Leisure Centre, Bartley McGlynn, Finn Valley Leisure Centre, Liam Carron, LYIT, Patrica Patton Donegal ETB and Paddy Kelly, Donegal ETB. Photo Clive Wasson
Public buildings such as the Donegal County Museum, Public Service Centres, Central Library, Donegal ETB’s Head Office in Letterkenny and Co-Lab at Letterkenny Institute of Technology were also facilitated.
Paddy Mullen Donegal County Council explained that this work is all part of the Councils commitment to improved energy efficiency.
“Our Energy Management System recently retained its ISO 50001 certification following an independent audit by Certification Europe,” he said.
“We are determined to play our part in delivering on greater energy efficiency in Donegal.”