Fantastic turnout and support for the launch of the Kinsale Community Energy Project on Thursday 7^th March which was hosted by Transition Town Kinsale. It was full-house at the Friary Centre with residents, community groups and businesses represented.

Our thanks to Xavier Dubuisson, who is Cork & Kerry Mentor for the SEAI Sustainable Energy Community Network, who outlined what is available through the different Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant schemes and then answered many of the questions from the floor.

And thanks also, to those who shared their experience with work they have done or hope to do. John Hayes, Bill Thuillier, Jim Lyons, Adrian Wistreich and Damien Ormston spoke about their home upgrades. John Thuillier (HSE Dispensary Building) and Donal Chambers (Kinsale college) spoke form a community perspective while Brendan Tyrell (Trident and Actons Hotels), Andy Ashford (Kilcaw House B&B) and Martin McCarthy (Insulex) spoke from a business one.

Senator Tim Lombard and Councillor Gillian Coughlan also attended and offered their support to the project, with Senator Lombard highlighting the importance of the community in how we plan and take action in our energy transition. Councillor Coughlan noted the role of the County Council in realising the ambitions of KCEP.

For your information: KCEP Information Evening March 2019 Website Presentation

If you are considering reviewing your energy costs or thinking of carrying out any energy saving upgrade to your property, you are invited to register your interest. Registration Form is available here (KCEP Form final ) and can be handed into the College for the attention of Donal Chambers or can be filled out online through Survey Monkey .

It is great to have reignited the conversation in the town about our energy transition and thanks to all who came along on the night to join us. We are currently scoping what will be done under the Kinsale Energy Master Plan to send out for tender. This will be based on our funding application primarily but is now open to review and suggestions. If you are interested in this aspect of the project please get in touch at kcepttk@gmail.com