Energy Upgrades at Home and in the Community Event Connects Residents and Community groups with Energy Experts and Practical Supports

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) welcomed more than 200 residents, community groups and energy experts to County Hall, Dún Laoghaire, on Saturday, 10 October for its Energy Upgrades at Home & in the Community event. The free event, organised by dlr Architects and Energy Team, provided practical information and expert advice to help people reduce energy use and costs, improve the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes and community buildings, and learn more about grants and financial supports available for energy upgrades.

Visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), SSE Airtricity One-Stop-Shop, CORE Credit Union, CODEMA Dublin’s Energy Agency and SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities, as well as a BER assessor. Three themed information sessions focused on home energy upgrades and financing options; practical ways to save energy and money; and solar energy for homes and communities, including grants available for community energy projects.

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Barry Saul, said:

“Decarbonisation and improving the energy efficiency of our homes are areas where we can all make a contribution, but people need clear, practical information to make informed decisions. Bringing trusted experts together in one place gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, understand the supports available and identify the actions that are right for their homes and communities.”

dlr has already exceeded the Government’s 2030 public sector energy-efficiency target of 50%, achieving a 61% improvement by 2025. The Council has also reduced carbon emissions by 29% as it continues to work towards the national 2030 target of 51%.

Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran, said:

“Our work on energy and decarbonisation extends beyond the Council’s own buildings and operations. Providing households and communities with practical information and access to trusted resources is an important part of supporting the transition to a low-carbon county. This event, which received support from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment through ‘We’re Taking Climate Action’ DZ Demonstrator funding, shows the value of bringing local government, energy experts, communities and residents together to support practical climate action.”

Across its own operations, dlr has invested significantly in measures to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. These include LED public lighting, solar photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, building energy upgrades and the continued decarbonisation of the Council’s vehicle fleet. The Council’s recent shortlisting for the SEAI Energy Awards also recognises its sustained approach to energy management and carbon reduction, with the winner due to be announced on 4 November.