Three local authorities are to take the lead in testing new renewable technologies and policies in an effort to boost a national move towards sustainable energy in Ireland.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) announced that Dublin City, Tallaght and Tralee were three exemplar Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC)
All three will commit to specific energy-saving projects for the next five years, after being selected from 14 authorities for ‘having a visionary co-ordinated approach to energy savings’.
“Tralee, Dublin City and Tallaght will, with the support of SEAI, champion the testing and deployment of new sustainable energy technologies and practices in their communities, involving people across all sectors,” said SEAI chief executive, Professor Owen Lewis.
“The aim of the Sustainable Energy Communities Programme is to replicate best practice throughout the country and we will be helping other local authorities to improve the link between sustainable energy, economic development and planning, making significant energy savings in the process.”
SEAI will partner with the communities for five years, providing them with strategic guidance, as well as technical and project management support. As part of the programme, SEAI also set up an SEC Network to facilitate best practice and knowledge sharing among all local authorities that are progressing in sustainability.