BUSINESS: Arranmore has made great strides towards becoming a sustainable energy community according to Jim Gannon, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
He made the claims after visiting the area to see the building energy upgrades taking place on the beautiful Gaeltacht Island off the coast of Donegal.
Part-funded by SEAI’s Better Energy programme, the project is set to make substantial energy savings for 47 homes and 6 businesses within the Arranmore community.
Works underway include upgrades to lighting, wall and roof insulation, as well as the installation of heat pumps and high efficiency gas and oil fired boiler upgrades with heating controls.
Due for completion in October 2016, the project forms part of Arranmore’s five year sustainable community development plan.
It is a partnership with Arranmore Island Energy Committee, Northside Community Enterprises and SE Systems who are experienced in delivering similar projects to island communities.
During his visit, Jim Gannon said ‘Árainn Mhór is one of many great projects being funded through SEAI’s Better Energy Communities programme. It demonstrates the power of communities to make a difference for themselves by working together to achieve a better quality of life that goes well beyond the monetary savings.
These projects are vital as communities play their part in weaning Ireland off of imported fossil fuels while protecting essential elements of our daily business. The local community on Árainn Mhór and the surrounding area should feel proud of this initiative , and of the leadership they are showing to other communities.’
Terence Gallagher the Project Coordinator from Letterkenny said ”The Arranmore community have really embraced the idea of making their homes more energy efficient and that’s why the Better Energy Communities has been so successful on the island, so much so that we have over 50 homes on a waiting list for next year.”
Other local businesses participating in the project include Arranmore Community Hall, Maghery Community centre, Ramelton Community Centre, Garverys Supervalue, and Carmichael Centre.
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