A Callan Community Energy Company is pioneering Climate Action in Kilkenny.
3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) has welcomed the Government’s announcement to approve a revised Climate Action Bill which includes specific targets on reducing carbon emissions over the next 30 years.
The Climate Action Bill commits to a carbon neutral status for Ireland by end 2050 and halving the amount of greenhouse gas emissions within the next 10 years.
3cea sees the announcement as an opportunity to build on progress it has made in the region since it was established in 2002.
The one-stop-shop is committed to driving social and behavioural change in the South East towards a low carbon economy.
The non-profit agency drives sustainable energy projects offering commercial and business grants and supports, the Greener HGV Programme, National Home Retrofit Scheme, community and public sector projects working across homes, commercial properties, community, transport and agriculture and advice in County Kilkenny.
Paddy Phelan
Paddy Phelan, CEO of 3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) says it is the responsibility of each individual, business owner and community to come together to achieve Government’s ambitious targets and 3cea will be there to help.
He told Kilkenny Press:
“Whilst Kilkenny local authorities will be closely examining its strategic plan to facilitate and steer climate action in the area, everyone in the county has a role to play in achieving the ambition of the new bill.
OUTSTANDING EXAMPLES LOCALLY
“In Kilkenny, we are in excellent position to develop an all-inclusive decarbonising plan in line with the requirements set out in the Climate Action Bill.
“There are some outstanding examples within local communities and industry, for example the Danone Plant has achieved zero carbon emission in its manufacturing.
“Likewise the Callan Community Energy Company illustrates how each home, local business and individual can help contribute towards a carbon neutral Ireland.
“Small changes in our individual behaviour can change our carbon footprint and it all adds up.”
Callan Community Energy Company (CCE) is set to re-energise Callan, with an ambitious plan for the town to transition to producing all of its own carbon-neutral energy by 2030.
CCE signed up to the National Energy Communities programme with SEAI in 2016 and work is ongoing on its energy master plan to measure how much energy Callan uses, its potential to generate energy from renewables as well as exploring opportunities for saving energy reducing emissions.
With 3cea’s assistance the Callan Community will benefit from the potential of grant aid for energy upgrades, lower energy bills, lower carbon emissions and envisions creating direct and indirect jobs and economic benefits as a result of the activities of the company.
Other activities include workshops and energy training courses for all community stakeholders and a point of contact for all energy related ideas and energy related enquiries locally.
SUPPORTING PEOPLE THROUGHOUT KILKENNY
John Carley
“In particular we will support people throughout Kilkenny and the local authorities to implement their plans within the region.”
3cea is the region’s one-stop-shop for achieving sustainability across industry, community and agriculture in Wexford delivering low carbon homes, jobs and enterprise.
The agency project-manage the entire works through from initial funding application to final sign-off ensuring a quality project is delivered.
3cea is proud to have achieved a carbon reduction of two percent in 10 years across the South East and beyond and continue to work to reduce it in the years ahead.
Currently accepting applications for a number of home and business grants to find our more visit https://3cea.ie
Any community not part of a SEC at the moment or looking to set one up, can contact the county Mentor in Kilkenny – Therese Curran, Kilkenny SEC Mentor [email protected] or the South East Regional Coordinator Gráinne Kennedy [email protected]
The Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) programme is funded by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland).
