An Energy Master Plan helps communities understand the energy demand and supply. Every community is encouraged to look at energy efficiency first. This is because energy efficiency work is typically low risk and has high payback. The Energy Master Plan is also a live record of the community’s energy status and achievements. It will evolve to form the foundation for other applications and projects. 

Ballaghaderreen has the capacity to create 9MW of community owned renewable energy generation project – today. That’s 25% of its electrcity demand. No planning permissions or complex grid upgrades needed. Find out how.

Save Energy, Cut Costs and reduce emissions – start from your home

Many people qualify for fully funded upgrades – 100% grant supported

What Supports are there for you to start your home future-proofing journey?

Fully Funded Upgrade

Typical costs of home improvements and the grants availbale to make them affordable

Individual actions for homeowners

…some quick and easy sustainability ‘wins’ to save you energy and money as well as reducing carbon emissions

Step 1: Do Your Own Audit:

• Check windows, external doors, vents, floor spaces, fireplaces, and stoves with a stick of incense: and track down and eliminate draughts.
• Check insulation levels in attic, basement, walls (including the meter box), and floors
• Check your boiler and stove; what age are they? When were they last serviced?
• Collect energy bills and scrutinise them over a year or 2.
• To save money in the short term see if you need to change your electricity supplier.

Step 2: Actions to save 12% of your energy costs and fossil fuel use:

• Turn everything off – don’t leave on standby (2%)
• Use a clothes line when possible – no tumble dryer (7%)
• Wash clothes @ 30 degrees (1%)
• Turn off lights when not in a room, replace bulbs with highest rated LEDs possible (A+ read the lables not all LEDs are the same) – change as they go so as to spread the cost (2%).

Step 3: Save energy by thinking about the way you control and use heat

• Maintain room temperature 190C (this can save up to €350 every year for each degree lower you heat the house)
• Close the curtains at dusk to keep heat in the room that would otherwise be lost through the cold windows, and you could save up to 10% of your heating costs.
• Consider fitting shelves above radiators as they redirect the warm air that rises from them back into the room.
• Ventilate your house 3 to 5 minutes, a couple of times a day, instead of opening windows a little bit all day. Shut off your heating, during ventilation. This can reduce heat loss by 16%.
• Bleed your radiators regularly. If there is air in your radiator your boiler burns longer. Always start with the lowest and end with the highest radiator.

Home Retrofits: Make your home cozier, save money and reduce carbon emissions

Non-Domestic Buildings Support scheme for energy audits

Includes Schools, Community Buildings, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Eligibility

Businesses applying to the scheme must be:

• non-obligated entities
• tax compliant
• registered in the Republic of Ireland
• spend at least €10,000 on energy (exclusive of transport energy costs) per year at the site being audited
• There is a limit of 1 audit voucher per Applicant/Company

SME Energy Savings Case 2