The Milford, Kerrykeel, Ramelton and Rathmullan areas have been awarded funding to design and develop their own Energy Master Plan.
The area was granted €25,000, the highest level available, to understand the energy demand and supply of the community and provide a map of how the community will achieve its energy goals.
Declan Meehan, independent candidate for the Milford Electoral Area and Manager of the Milford & District Resource Centre, says the plan will provide a solid basis for grant applications for businesses, homes and community groups in the area.
The funding was applied for following a successful SEAI information event held in The Gallowglass Community Centre in February.
“I am delighted to have secured this funding for the area from the SEAI,” Meehan said. “The Energy Master Plan is an evidence-based study that outlines the current use of energy in an area, the future growth of energy demand and presents opportunities for decarbonising projects to achieve carbon emissions reductions, as well as cost savings for businesses, homes and communities.”
The Energy Master Plan will go out to tender in the next week or two with work commencing in the early summer.
“The average home in the area identified spends €3,200 on household energy per year. Ultimately this plan will pave the way for interventions on buildings which will save people money, while reducing their carbon footprint,” Meehan said.