Energy grant information night in Nenagh

Tipperary Energy Agency is hosting an information session at the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh on Tuesday October 25th at 7pm.

The event centres on the 'Better Energy Communities Scheme', an energy efficiency grant scheme that provides 50% funding to community facilities and up to 25% funding for private sector projects.

CEO of Tipperary Energy Agency Paul Kenny this week encouraged interested parties to attend the information events in Nenagh and Cahir (October 24th). Mr Kenny said there is funding available for renovation projects and the TEA has vast experience of working with schools, businesses, leisure centres and sports clubs in recent years.

He was speaking at a meeting of Tipperary Co Council, at which Alan Jackson of the TEA delivered a presentation. He outlined targets to reach 100% renewable energy usage by 2040. While efforts may have been hampered by the recession, Ireland in recovery is back on track towards meeting its targets, Mr Jackson said.

Cllr John Hogan (FF) said he would welcome a scheme underway in Denmark whereby the government pays people to get rid of their oil boilers.

Cllr Jim Ryan (Ind) pointed out that Tipperary Co Council is carrying out a lot of work in insulating houses. But he said heat is still being lost through poor quality doors and windows and this is something that needs to be revisited.

Cllr Séamie Morris (SF) said people in Tipperary are having to drive further and further away for work and this is adding to carbon dioxide emissions. He again criticised the plan to supply Dublin with water from the Shannon, saying this would only create more jobs further away. We should be creating employment locally, Cllr Morris said.

In support, Cllr Tom Wood (Ind) said the amount of commuter traffic travelling through Tipperary en route to other areas is adding to carbon dioxide levels.

Cllrs Phyll Bugler (FG) and Ger Darcy (FG) both spoke of the benefit of solar panels on private houses and said the council should be supportive in this regard.

Mr Kenny said it is likely that there will be funding available next year to upgrade the windows and doors of between 100-150 houses in Tipperary, where the council has been very proactive in this area. But he said retrofitting homes is very costly and a major challenge nationally.

Further information about the upcoming information nights is available at tippenergy.ie.