An Energising AGM April 30, 2025April 30, 2025 Uncategorized The Kerry Sustainable Energy Co-operative (KSEC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 5th April again in Tralee Bay Wetlands. As twenty-one members were present, the normal AGM business proceeded with Adrian Williams chairing. This included adoption of the Minutes of 2023, and the accounts. The incoming board was tasked with the decision of raising the price of the firewood due to lack of profit and actual loss with a margin of €10 suggested. The appointment of auditor Duffy Burke for 2025 and authorisation of borrowing powers for KSEC (Up to €10, 000) were also greed Adrian as chair gave an overview of the year which included outreach activities, and the Astellas Field Trip, the work of the CE workers, exciting developments in Brighter Kerry and the challenges facing the new board with the roles of chairperson, treasurer and secretary now vacant. Thanks were expressed to the board for their year’s work, Ballymacelligott Community Employment scheme and the Pastoral Centre in Killarney (office) and Tralee Bay Wetlands. The new board members elected are Donal Mangan, Stephen Pierce, Sylvia Thompson, Michael Fitzgerald, Kevin O’Farrell with Deirdre de Bhailís, Dingle Hub continuing as a shadow member. The retiring members, Adrian and David Garner, were thanked for their work on the board. Hugh Reynolds of Brighter Kerry(brighter.ie) gave an update on its recent positive developments with regard to the community owned solar farm. The government scheme will purchase the electricity under SRESS, the route of the Killarney bypass will not impact the solar farm; the grid assessment is valid for two years from ESB networks; two EIIS funds are happy to back the project and Brighter Kerry are confident they can raise the money on their terms or better; they have signed the lease with one of the landowners and expect the second to follow suit. A Renewable Energy Community (REC) must be formed to apply for SRESS with an SEC as shareholder and they hope KSEC will fill this role. They are inviting 20 to 30 people to become founder shareholders. Following the AGM Hugh collected some signatures and nominal sums (€1’s). Great interest and enthusiasm was expressed in this project. Following the AGM, Tim Leahy, KSEC member gave a wonderful presentation on his ‘Long Road to Anaerobic Digestion’ in North Kerry. In the future, KSEC will be invited on a field trip to visit the plant. Tim was congratulated on his persistence and patience with the process.
