Green Limerick: Experts tell of plans to future-proof Limerick

THE EirGrid Energy Citizens Roadshow in Limerick       heard about the future of the electricity grid and details of Limerick’s involvement in the Horizon 2020 project, +CityxChange. 

Led by EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, this free event brought together experts from SEAI (Ireland’s national sustainable energy authority), ESB Networks and Limerick City and County Council to provide information to locals in Limerick about home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants, community micro-generation schemes and initiatives to future-proof the county. 

“The level of community climate action is huge in Limerick,” remarked Kieran Reeves, climate action officer with Limerick City and County Council, as he outlined some of the details of the local authority’s efforts to embark on initiatives to help climate action efforts, including deep retrofitting of local buildings and the delivery of community engagement activities. 

“It is fantastic that we now have a space where people can work together and explore local responses to issues such as climate change and to help co-create the future we want to live in.”

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The event also heard from Derek Carroll, Network design manager at EirGrid, who outlined their plans to ensure the transition to a climate-resilient and environmentally-sustainable Ireland, and the growing need for renewable energy on the electricity grid, as it will need to carry triple the amount of renewable energy by 2030.

Alan Keegan from ESB Networks discussed smart metering, micro and mini generation, such as solar panels on roofs of homes and taking control of energy use outside peak hours.

Providing a  presentation on the benefits of home energy upgrades and the energy transition, Sean Sweeney, development officer at Ballyhoura Development CLG and of SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Limerick mentor, provided information about what grants are available to people, communities and small businesses seeking to cut energy costs.

Speaking following the event, head of public engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley, said: “The attendance and the level of engagement from communities showed that people want to be part of a cleaner energy future in a way that can also benefit them.”