This article is from page 21 of the 2006-06-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
COUNTY Clare could face bills of up to €22 million in 2010 for producing 490,000 tonnes carbon dioxide above the limit set by the Kyoto agreement, an audience at the launch of a new conservation body heard.
The Limerick Clare Energy Agency, a body set up to provide energy services to help everyone have a greener approach, is having its official launch today.
The Agency was established by Limerick and Clare county councils and is one of 16 other agencies which form an all-Ireland association.
Among the priorities for the energy agency in its first three years is to promote both a transport strategy for the area and an indigenous energy supply.
The body is also charged with advising community groups and local authorities on energy conservation in their buildings and facilities. Other tasks for the agency include promoting knowledge and use of renewable energy technologies and advising the local authority’s housing department on energy efficiency.
They also plan to establish a fuel poverty programme for both counties and to implement the Energy Performance Buildings Directive.
Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Show comes to Glór on July 1 and Duncan Stewart, presenter and coproducer of the top rating RTÉ series ‘Our House’, will be on hand to officially open the show, as well as give the keynote presentation in the seminar programme.
Local town councillor Johnny Flynn, Chairman of the Clare Branch of the Renewable Energy Skills (RES) Group, said, “the group has been working since January 2004 to develop a national standard as well as give impartial information and support on the technology, and it is great to bring information to consumers through this show.”
For anyone considering a new installation, or a change from conventional fossil fuel heating systems, it will be an opportunity to learn about the various sustainable alternatives.
The show will feature Clare installers of renewable energy heating systems, equipment suppliers, and a seminar programme, in which there will be a series of 15 minutes presentations on current and future renewable energy options. There will also be details available on the current grants available for heating systems.
The show opens at 12 noon and ends at 5pm. Admission is €5 for adults. Youths and children are free.
Meanwhile, an introductory course to Renewable Energy will be held in the Auburn Lodge Hotel on Monday July 3.
The course costs €100 and will focus on such issues as practical installation, skills and on system specifications and requirements.