Donegal’s free retrofit training initiative got underway this week in Dungloe, where local homeowners and tradespeople took part in accredited sessions designed to improve energy efficiency and support sustainable building practices.
The programme, delivered through the NZEB (Near Zero Energy Building) Retrofit Mobile Training Unit, now moves on to Letterkenny, where it will run from Monday 21 to Friday 25 July.
Led by Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) in partnership with the National Construction Training Campus, Mount Lucas, and LOETB, the training brings expert knowledge and hands-on learning directly to local communities.
In Letterkenny, participants will have access to a one-day NZEB Fundamentals course, aimed at tradespeople or anyone interested in energy-efficient construction, and a two-hour Retrofit for Homeowners session. The homeowner course covers practical home upgrades, understanding BER ratings, improving insulation, and accessing SEAI grants.
Throughout the week, the mobile training unit will also host drop-in advice clinics offering guidance on energy-saving measures, grant applications, and green finance options. Local Credit Unions will be on hand with information about retrofitting loans.
A special evening information session for homeowners affected by defective blocks will take place on Wednesday 23 July from 4pm to 6pm at ATU Donegal. Neil Gallagher will lead the session, providing advice and answering questions from concerned homeowners.
Retrofit Training Kicks Off in Dungloe – Letterkenny Next from 21–25 July – at the the Dungloe event are seated from left Aisling Sharkey, DLDC, Patrick Carr, DLDC, Donna Campbell DLDC and Suzanne Bogan, Donegal County Council. Back from left are Phelim Guinan, Mount Lucas, John Flynn, Efficent Renewables, Teresa McDonnell, DLDC, Thomas McIntyre Teh Cope and Neill Gallagher, DLDC. Photo Clive Wasson
Aisling Sharkey, Community Development Officer at DLDC, praised the community response so far and encouraged those in Letterkenny to get involved. “We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout in Dungloe. There’s clearly a growing appetite across Donegal to make homes more efficient, affordable and climate-ready. This programme brings expert training right to people’s doorsteps—and the response has been incredibly positive.”
The Dungloe training, which runs from 14 to 18 July, welcomed a wide cross-section of the community. Attendees included tradespeople looking to upskill for retrofitting work, as well as homeowners keen to improve comfort, energy performance and long-term savings in their homes. Advice clinics were well attended throughout the week, and the evening session on defective blocks provided vital support and information to those affected.
Margaret Larkin, Head of Operations at DLDC, highlighted the importance of accessible training in rural communities. “We’re proud to partner with Mount Lucas to bring this accredited training to Donegal. It supports lifelong learning, helps people make informed energy choices, and strengthens the resilience of our homes and communities.”
All events are free, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. To register or find out more, visit www.dldc.org, call 074 9127056 or email info@dldc.org.
