On a hot, sunny evening, perfect for solar panels, Tipperary PPN held an advice & support event on future-proofing community facilities, using renewable energy in Thurles.
It also marked the launch of the Tipperary PPN’s Energy Master Plan project, carried out by Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA), and funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), through the Sustainable Energy Communities Programme.
Gearoid Fitzgibbon, SEAI regional mentor, who expertly supported the project from the beginning, gave some SEAI information to kick off the evening.
As part of the project, after an Expressions of Interest process, five PPN-registered community facilities received a free energy audit by TEA. We aimed to have a fair spread of energy audits, under the PPN Energy Plan across the municipal districts. A number of community facilities were also recommended for free audits under the SEAI Energy Audit Voucher Scheme.
Eamonn O’Donovan & Dylan Whiteford, of TEA, gave a fascinating presentation on the summary of findings from those energy audits and recommendations.
The lucky five community facilities within the county were:
- CJ Kickhams Mullinahone
- Development Association Newport
- Sean Treacy GAA
- Thurles Croke AC
- Cahir Community Hall
Marcella Maher Keogh form Carrig Energy Consultancy and project manager at Ecovision, informed the well-attended event about the practical opportunities and challenges when a group is upgrading community facilities. From the questions that followed, her presentation was very helpful.
Finally a heat pump presentation by Padraic O’Reilly, of Orenco Energy, and a demonstration of a solar panel invertor and battery by Conor Coates, of Ohkenergy, completed the informative and engaging evening.
Eamonn O’Donovan, from TEA, said afterwards, “It was a great event, great turn out with intelligent, engaged people. Lots of good feedback and interest and it all seemed positive.”
There were information stands with representatives from SEAI, Tipperary Energy Agency, Ecovision, Ohkenergy and others. A lot of chat afterwards was had with the experts, and other community groups, facing similar challenges of rising energy costs affecting community halls, sports clubs, or community centres, over ample refreshments by Naomi’s Café in Thurles.
Here is an example of a successfully-funded and interesting rooftop solar project to take a look at:https://www.seai.ie/case-studies/graiguenamanagh-solar-project
There is a lot of work in these facility improvement projects but times are changing. Facing the changes and being part of a more resilient community is easier with information and support.
All the organisations at our Energy In Action! event have the expertise to support your group to meet future needs and all are friendly and approachable.
For more information: Ruth Smith coordinator@ppntipperary.ie or call 087 456 7111
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