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SEAI Urges Clare Homeowners to Invest in Home Energy Upgrades for More Comfortable Homes, Reduced Energy Use and Lower Bills

In preparation for the colder months, now is an ideal time to invest in insulation upgrades and replace fossil fuel heating systems. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), by investing in home energy upgrades, homeowners are creating a more comfortable and healthier home. More and more homeowners are aware of the benefits of home energy upgrades, with attic and wall insulation being a great starting point. These are long-term investments which will significantly improve home comfort and health, as well as reducing energy consumption and lowering energy bills. For homeowners using fossil fuel heating systems such as oil or gas, they should consider the clean switch to a heat pump system. Heat pumps are highly efficient alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems, creating a warmer and healthier home by maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature throughout the year. Even better, as you are no longer using fossil fuels, you are reducing your carbon footprint and creating a much …

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Rural Clare left out of active travel revolution

North and West Clare councillors have called on the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) to restore the Active Travel Scheme, and apply it equally to urban and rural areas. At the September meeting of the West Clare municipal district, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ian Lynch (IND) put forward a motion to request that the Active Travel Scheme be applied equally to urban and rural areas. Another motion by Councillor Joe Garrihy (FG) called for the Minister to restore the same scheme. Cllr Lynch said “I think it’s important we put pressure on” adding North Clare and West Clare was not getting enough to manage successfully and would need to either get its fair share or get a different scheme set up.” Cllr Garrihy described Active Travel as “one of the most exciting schemes” ever established, and said it was “totally unacceptable” that it was not extended to North Clare, adding it needed to be restored “on the double” to make up …

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Parkrun encourages Clare people to embrace community and exercise

In an era thriving on digital interactions, parkrun is setting the stage for a refreshing initiative that encourages individuals across Clare and Ireland to step outside and be part of their communities, while prioritising their wellbeing through the simple acts of volunteering and walking. #VolunteerWalkConnect is a campaign that encourages individuals to explore the realms of volunteering and walking at timed parkrun events for the first time, while simultaneously fostering a deeper connection with nature, their communities and overall wellbeing. Through walks, community engagement, and a strong online presence, the campaign aims to create a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. “Modern life too often keeps us indoors and disconnected, leading to a lack of engagement with our environment and limited opportunities to connect with others,” said Matt Shields, Country Manager for parkrun Ireland. “#VolunteerWalkConnect is designed to break through these barriers by enticing people to take their first steps into the world of volunteering and walking, …

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Ennis data centre proposal features on BBC’s Panorama

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a proposed €450 million data centre in Ennis, currently awaiting a decision by An Bord Pleanala, featured on an episode of acclaimed BBC series Panorama this week. On Monday BBC One aired the programme which included filming in several Irish locations relevant to the growth in data centre operations and planning applications in Ireland. The programme questioned the cost of using more data in terms of the increase in emissions and use of water in several countries including the US and Ireland. Ireland already has over 70 data centres in operation which consume more than 13% of national electricity. At least 30 more have been granted planning permission. Filming took place in Dublin as well as Ennis at the 145 acre site where Clare County Council granted permission to Art Data Centres for the development which has faced opposition. The planning decision has been appealed by local groups and residents, and a decision is due from an …

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Clare TD probes controversial Coillte deal

SERIOUS questions continue to been raised over Coillte’s proposed deal with investment fund, Gresham House, with a Clare Independent TD suggesting it represents “greenwashing”.  During a debate on forestry, Deputy Michael McNamara probed the deal that is tipped to see forests acquired and land planted to deliver returns to investors and help meet climate targets. “This deal has made people sit up and take a look at the role of investment funds in protecting or enhancing the environment, and at Coillte’s relationship with investment funds,” the Scariff TD said. “Both are important matters to consider. A number of questions arise. Why did Coillte select Gresham House? What procurement process was put in place? Gresham House came up with a great blurb but it is not unique in that. Many investment funds around the world are into greenwashing these days. Were all the other greenwashing investment funds allowed to bid? If not, why? Why did Gresham House choose Coillte?” Deputy McNamara …

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Call for county masterplan in advance of Moneypoint energy hub

A MASTERPLAN is needed to prepare for the ambitious Green energy hub to be developed by the ESB at Moneypoint, according to a member of the Council’s Economic Development committee. Addressing the January meeting of the local authority, Councillor Johnny Flynn called for advance plans to facilitate the ESB’s multibillion euro Green Atlantic hub, and to address what he described as the “huge impacts” on the county’s road networks, its service and population growth.   “As a member of the economic SPC. I think that as a county, we need to do a master plan on how to deal with the impact on our services of what the ESB are proposing at Moneypoint and also offshore,” he said. “There’s going to be huge impacts on our road network. There’s going to be significant impacts on our services delivery, whether it’s water, sewerage, and population growth.” The Fine Gael member said a recent presentation by the ESB to the SPC had …

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Fully electric Ennis town bus service in two years

A FULLY electric Ennis Town Bus Service is scheduled to come into service in the first quarter of 2025. A route test exercise was carried out late last year confirming the feasibility of the plan, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has told the Dáil. He was responding to a question by Deputy Joe Carey who said the National Transport Authority (NTA) is involved in discussions with Clare County Council to secure land for the charging infrastructure and details will be outlined more precisely as the process is worked through. “I have been told by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan that a route test exercise was carried out in December and, while final routes may change slightly for operational or coverage considerations, the exercise confirmed the feasibility of the current plan. “This year, the NTA’s Service Planning team will be undertaking a number of steps including finalising the preferred routes as well as developing detailed stop and terminus designs. “This will be done …

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World Wetlands Day event to be held in Shannon on Thursday

WORLD Wetlands Day will be celebrated in Shannon this Thursday, February 2, at a lunchtime event to explore their importance to the environment. Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies, and more. Yet, nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. It is urgent that we raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore them. World Wetlands Day is the ideal time to increase people’s understanding of these important ecosystems and two community events are taking place for Clare. The Shannon Town Community Wetlands Project in conjunction with the Local Authority Waters Programme will host a very special lunchtime event to explore how wetland restoration work has occurred on this important site. The event, led by LAWPRO’s Community Water Officer, Ruairí Ó Conchúir, …

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