Large audiences attended the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow events in Letterkenny and Donegal Town last week, where it was heard there are huge opportunities for the north west when it comes to renewable energy.
The events provided a space for people to hear about the work EirGrid does in operating and developing the electricity grid and the ambition to achieve up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030.
Speaking following the roadshow events, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley, said, “We had a vision for these roadshow events, to provide an opportunity for people, businesses and communities to speak with and hear from experts in the energy industry, and hear about how EirGrid plans to make the grid stronger and more flexible.
“What took place surpassed our expectations. The large attendance at both events, and the level of engagement from communities across the region showed that the people of Donegal want to be part of a cleaner energy future in a way that can also benefit them.
Dooley added, “Experts from ESB, SEAI and the Western Development Commission provided beneficial insights into what the region can look like in the future, as we make the transition to clean electricity. Now, we will roll out more events like these across the country.”
The events heard from Ellen Diskin, ESB National Network, Local Connections Programme Manager, who outlined that Donegal was leading the way in wind generation, and that Letterkenny was second only to Dublin, as an area with the biggest reported interest in the future purchase of electric vehicles.
Those at the Letterkenny event also heard from Roger Sweetman, Head of Sustainable Enterprise with the Western Development Commission. He said the development of a grid with more renewable energy has the potential to increase the level of innovation in the region.
“We’ve looked at what the energy transition means for Donegal. Extra grid capacity is welcome, and we also look at how this can support balanced regional development.”
Policy Analyst, Helen McHenry, also from the Western Development Commission, outlined to those in Donegal Town that Donegal has already made important contributions in the transition to more renewable generation, and said going forward, the region needed to benefit from those resources.
Stevie Donnelly, SEAI Regional Coordinator for the north west, provided an insightful presentation on the benefits of home energy upgrades, what grants are available and how people can apply for them.
He outlined that 50% of homes have a BER rating of D, or lower, and to date, SEAI has supported 450,000 homes with home energy upgrades.
The events also included exhibitors from across the region, including Donegal Public Participation Network, insulation specialists and solar PV experts.
To find out more about how EirGrid is preparing the grid to carry up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, visit eirgrid.ie/shaping
Keith Fletcher, MC, Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement EirGrid and Brendan McLaughlin, IFA Chairman at the Eirgrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Barry Comiskey, ESB, Helena McClafferty and Patrick McClafferty at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Speakers at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday las from left are Rodger Sweetman, WDC, Ellen Diskin, ESBN, Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement EirGrid, Ciaran Rabbit, EirGrid and Stevie Donnelly, SEAI. Photo -Clive Wasson
Gordon Randals, Letterkenny Credit Union and Martin Gallagher at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement EirGrid opening the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Ellen Diskin, Head of National Network, Local Connections, ESB with Ciaran McLaughlin and Brendan McLaughlin at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Andrew McTaggart, Louis McNairn, Terry Gilcreest at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Fabian McShane, Sean Killen and Christine Killen at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Pauric McGinley and Frank Campbell at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Ciaran Rabbit, Eirgrid and Eoin McClearnan at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
Large crowds attended the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow events in Letterkenny and Donegal Town recently. Pic: Clive Wasson
Ellen Diskin, Head of National Networks, Local Connections, ESB Networks speaking at the EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in the Clanree Hotel on Wednesday last. Photo -Clive Wasson
