Energy efficiency drive on in Kells

Kells Local Heroes intends to start a Sustainable Energy Community in Kells and is seeking interested individuals in the town to get involved.

Local Heroes treasurer, Barry Lynch, is leading the way. “We are trying to get people to look at how we can improve energy efficiency in Kells,” he explains.

A sustainable energy community is one where people work together to develop and implement a sustainable energy plan for their community. This will save money and create local jobs through energy efficiency and the use of local renewal energy sources.

“We will be getting a committee together and reaching out to people in Kells,” Barry explains.

“We are also engaging with Cllr David Gilroy and the committee in Athboy, where they already have a sustainable energy community up and running.”

The aim is to ensure the community makes the most of new funding available for climate action projects. “We can apply for funding to have an energy masterplan drawn up for Kells.” Funding is available from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) who will appoint a consultant who will assess the full community and come up with an energy plan.

“The consultant will look at the houses in Kells, the number of estates, the ages of the houses, the number of cars in the town, commuter and buses as we as at community buildings, halls, industries and businesses that would benefit from retrofitting.

“The consultant will look at what retrofitting needs to be done, how much it costs and how much funding is available.

“Once the plan is drawn up, it makes funding more readily available. The funding available through this scheme is a much more attractive package, than when somebody applies on their own.

“The benefits of a Sustainable Energy Community include financial and energy savings, improved public wellbeing and comfort from energy efficient buildings along with a boost in local knowledge, skills and employment. It allows access to funding, contributes to climate change targets and supports an equitable transition to a low carbon society.”

The committee will work with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland who will assign a local mentor who will work with them.

The SEAI will assign funding of between €10,000 to €25,000 to develop the Energy Master Plan.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Kellslocalheroes@gmail.com