Energy Survey reveals Drumshanbo has highest transport energy costs in Leitrim

An Energy Survey carried out by Sligo IT and Good Energies Alliance Ireland (GEAI), has revealed that Drumshanbo has the highest spend on energy in Co Leitrim. The energy costs involved in transport, in particular, are extremely high.

Averaging  €2,614 annually the energy spend per household in Drumshanbo is 40% higher than the national average (€1813 per household) and significantly higher than the average spend in Carrick-on-Shannon - €1,740.

The survey was carried out as part of the NECS project which looks at energy needs for the next 10 years in the county. The survey also examines how future energy needs will impact on on the quality of life for people in each area.

In the community consultations following the survey, residents of Drumshanbo highlighted the need fro more public transport, car pooling and more electric car charging points over the next 10 years. The consultations also emphasied the need for the provision of special subsidies for people wishing to purchase electric cars in rural areas.

It's expected that, following these surveys, communities will engage in the second phase of this process to obtain appropriate funding to help meet future energy needs.