Leitrim locals hear about benefits of retrofitting grants

Home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants and community micro-generation schemes were discussed at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow which took place in Carrick-on-Shannon recently, where Leitrim locals heard about the future of the electricity grid. 

Led by EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, experts from SEAI (Ireland’s national sustainable energy authority), ESB Networks and Leitrim County Council spoke at the event.

Matthew Staunton, Head of the Infrastructure Project Management Office at EirGrid, outlined EirGrid’s plans to transition to a climate resilient and environmentally sustainable Ireland, and the growing need for renewable energy on the electricity grid, as it will need to carry triple the amount of renewable energy on the grid in the coming years.  

Fintan Coyle, Leitrim County Councils Climate Action Coordinator and Shane Mulvey, Head of Town Regeneration highlighted the local authority’s Climate Action Plan, and their efforts to embark on initiatives to help climate action, including deep retrofitting of local buildings and the delivery community engagement activities, while Kevin Staunton, Area Manager in ESB Networks discussed micro and mini generation, such as solar panels on roofs of homes and taking control of energy use outside peak hours.

Providing an insightful discussion on the benefits of home energy upgrades and the energy transition, Paul McNama, of SEAI Sustainable Energy Community programme provided information about what home energy upgrade grants are available to citizens, and the 21 sustainable energy communities across Leitrim 

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 up to date and relevant information regarding energy and the future of the electricity grid. As we work to ensure eighty percent of Ireland’s electricity comes from renewable sources, as per Government targets, we recognise the importance of bringing communities with us on the journey as we transition to a clean, renewable energy grid. 

“EirGrid is playing a central role in Ireland’s efforts to reduce emissions and achieve our climate goals and the attendance and the level of engagement from communities showed the appetite for information surrounding renewable energy. We thank all those who attended, including all the local expert exhibitors.”

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