Clare County Council is set to launch its Climate Action Plan on Wednesday, February 21, at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow at Treacys West County Hotel in Ennis.
Described as a ‘roadmap’ for the local authority’s commitment to sustainability and environmental sustainability, the plan aims to set out a “pathway towards positive change”, according to Clare County Council’s Climate Action Coordinator, Morgan Lahiffe.
Mr Lahiffe will join a panel of speakers from EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and ESB Networks, to discuss renewable energy, the future of the electricity grid and home energy upgrades and grants.
The event will also host exhibitors, including energy consultants, solar panel experts and Ennis Credit Union. Attendees will hear about the various grants and incentives available to homeowners and businesses to make energy-efficient upgrades.
“This Climate Action Plan is a pivotal roadmap for Clare County Council’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Morgan Lahiffe.
“We aim to provide leadership in this space as we move towards our 2030 targets and towards a net zero future. We understand the urgency of addressing climate change and this plan sets out a pathway towards positive change.”
This free event takes place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm next Wednesday and aims to provide relevant information for attendees to make informed decisions about their home energy consumption and to learn more about renewable energy. The event will be hosted by former RTÉ midlands correspondent, Ciarán Mullooly.
“The EirGrid team is looking forward to providing a space for the public to ask questions and to hear their views about the future harnessing of renewable energy, grid development and community microgeneration opportunities,” said Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid.
“EirGrid aims to lead the secure transition of our electricity grid to low carbon, renewable energy, so to have Clare County Council launch its roadmap for a sustainable future is fantastic and we look forward to a very engaging and informative event.”
Currently, 43% of the electricity that we use comes from renewable energy. To achieve up to 80% clean electricity by 2030, EirGrid needs to add more energy from renewable sources, such as wind and sun, to the power system.
This means that the electricity grid will need to carry more power from energy sources that vary depending on the weather. EirGrid must redevelop the grid to manage the vast majority of Ireland’s electricity coming from renewable sources.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and podcaster who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.