Grants to help homeowners become more energy efficient
The average person in Cavan generates 19 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year, according to the results of a recent study of energy usage conducted for the county.
Part of an Energy Masterplan for Cavan, the results are driving businesses and homeowners to become more energy efficient and, consequentially, environmentally friendly.
Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) groups are popping up all over the county in an effort to drive down energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint and to help people access retrofitting grants.
An SEC is a community in which everyone works together to develop a sustainable energy system. They aim, in so far as is possible to be energy efficient, to use renewable energy where feasible and to develop decentralised energy supplies.
Belturbet, Cootehill, East Cavan and Kingscourt have all seen SECs established in recent years. They form part of a wider Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Sustainable Energy Community network.The mentor for Cavan is Mary McCabe, Cavan County Local Development.
Cavan SEC was formed in 2018 and comprises of representatives from a number of public and community organisations across Cavan.
“We recently completed an Energy Masterplan, which establishes current energy usage in the county and its associated climate impact,” Mary explained to the Celt.
The report highlights fuel poverty as a significant issue for Cavan. Fuel poverty occurs when a household spends 10% or more of its disposable income to keep the home adequately heated.
“The report also identifies 39 small areas in Cavan, which are classified as high or very high risk of fuel poverty, accounting for 10% of the county’s population. However energy renovations in housing would largely alleviate fuel poverty and its impact on people’s health,” explained Mary.
The average Building Energy Rating (BER) for fuel poverty households in Cavan is E1 and upgrading those to the Climate Action Plan’s target of B2 presents a significant challenge.
Active response in Kingscourt
Under the guidance of Cavan SEAI, a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) was recently formed in Kingscourt. Philip Smith is chairman of the group.“The aim is to make our communities aware of the many energy saving initiatives that are available to them. These costs saving initiatives extend across our domestic households, community and sporting organisations and local businesses,” he explained.
“We are now inviting homeowners from around Kingscourt to avail of Government grants of anything from 35% to 80% to retrofit their homes,” added Philip.
They are being supported in their goals by Mary McCabe and members of the Dunleer SEC in County Louth, who are well established.
Colm Kieran is another member of the Kingscourt group. He said that, while people are aware of grants, they are put off by paperwork and red tape and the CES can help with that.
Gerry Martin explained that modern insulation methods afford an opportunity to insulate attics, external walls and there is also double glazing. “You nearly would not need heating on at all, if the house was well insulated,” he said.
To join the SEC network, contact Mary McCabe, Cavan County Local Development.