Recent KSEC Outreach Events February 12, 2025February 12, 2025 Uncategorized KSEC was delighted to take part in two recent events: Fossa Sustainability Fair on 2 February and an ‘Energy Workshop’ in Cahersiveen on 8 February organized by Future Focus 21c. The SEAI Sustainbility Energy Community (SEC) mentor Catriona had the adjoining table in Fossa and two mentors, Martin and Catriona presented in Cahersiveen focussing on what is an SEC, the benefits and support available while KSEC spoke of its experience as an SEC and had an information table. The SEC mentors are based in the Dingle Hub. Fossa Sustainability Fair…Michael, Agnieszka and Sylvia Catriona in Fossa Cahersiveen
Farmers Workshop event in Rose Hotel January 8, 2025 Uncategorized Calling Farmers Teagasc & NEWKD ‘Energy in Agriculture Workshop’ Wed 15th Jan ’25 (11am.-2pm). The Rose Hotel, Tralee. Speakers: Barry Caslin Teagasc Specialist Renewable Energy, Dinny Galvin West Kerry Dairy Farmers SEC Dingle ESB Project Topics: -Reducing Energy Usage & Costs -Renewable Energy & Opportunities on Farm -Where to next-discussion. ALL WELCOME/ FÁILTE.
Energy Saving Tips for Christmas December 4, 2024 Uncategorized 1.Upgrade to LED Christmas lights– They range in price from €3.50 to €50 2.Decorate the garden with solar lights– A variety of solar lights or LEDS (with a timer) range in price. 3.Be smart about your cooking– Use pot lids when boiling, cook several items at a time while the oven is hot and cook extra food on Christmas Day to avoid /reduce energy use next day. 4.Clean your oven door and keep it closed-make sure your oven window is clear enough to peep through to see how dinner is coming along. 5. Track your electricity usage- e.g. Electric Ireland’s Smarter Pay As You Go plan. Borrow and use an energy use meter from your local library. 6. Avoid the use of standby on TV, laptop etc. (It accounts for 10% of electricity costs in an average household). 7. Use your thermostats to regulate your heat. Have throws available for watching TV 8. Get the most out of your dishwasher and washing machine– Use with a full load and eco setting. 9. Use rechargeable batteries 10. Learn more at: https://www.electricireland.ie/residential/news/detail/6-energy-saving-hacks-that-everyone-can-do-this-christmas Nollaig Shona! Kerry Sustainable Energy Co-Operative www.ksec.ie
New Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) November 18, 2024 Uncategorized The Corca Dhuibhne Tourism and Hospitality Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Read the full Energy Master Plan here: https://dinglehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Corca-Dhuibne-Tourism-and-Hospitality-SEC_FINAL.pdf Here’s a precise summary of the plan in four slides: Corca-Dhuibne-Tourism-and-Hospitality-SEC core slidesDownload
Astellas Field Trip November 6, 2024November 6, 2024 Uncategorized KSEC’s Field Trip to Astellas, Killorglin. Fourteen KSEC members including two Board members and our CE Admin Support enjoyed an amazing Field Trip to the Astellas plant in Killorglin on November.5th. Following a very informative slide show, we were given a tour by Daniel Walsh, engineer, which focussed on the energy management aspects of the company ie the solar array, wind turbine, wood chip boiler, and more. As Daniel explained their mission is always to ‘close the loop’ to work toward the business being sustainable at every level. One very interesting example includes management of canteen food waste which is turned into a ‘digestate’ and used in the ‘garden’ on site. Even the empty gelatine capsules can be composted here. Eamon Foley (yellow jacket) demonstrated this composter. He also showed and told us of the various biodiversity actions undertaken and planned both on site and in the adjacent area of special protection. It was a very inclusive three hours with KSEC members delighted and very grateful to both Daniel and Eamon for the opportunity. KSEC will plan another field trip in the future to a different location. Thanks to all who came and to those who welcomed us to Astellas.
KSEC welcomes Lisa our new CE worker. October 7, 2024 Uncategorized Our new CE worker Lisa Stackpoole joined the KSEC team as our ‘Admin Support’ on 16th September 2024. Lisa is now based in the Pastoral Centre, Rock Road, Killarney (Mon – Wed), 9:00 – 4:00, and will work closely with Sylvia, KSEC Secretary. KSEC wishes to thank Ballymacelligott Community Employment (CE) Scheme for sending us such a dedicated worker and the Pastoral Centre for an office for Lisa. As Lisa takes up the new role, we say ‘thank you’ again to Agnieszka Maj, our first CE worker.
2017 BEC Celebration Killorglin October 4, 2017 Uncategorized Held in Killorglin Family Resource Centre on Sat 30th September ‘17, marking the achievement of a successful SEAI Better Energy Community Project. The SEAI Better Energy Community (BEC) programme assists energy efficiency community projects through capital funding, partnerships, and technical support. Those present heard about the work of KSEC to date, the BEC project itself run in conjunction with SE Systems Cork (main contractors) and Kerry County Council, The short video outlined the upgrading of one rural home in Cromane and pictured other projects including Siamsa Tíre, a library, fire station DarkSky Reserve and of course Killorglin Family Resource Centre. The speakers were Barry Clarke and Anne Marie Fuller of KSEC, Sandy Mc Swiney, Energy Officer Kerry Co. Council, David Boyle of SEAI and Margaret Wrenn Manager of Killorglin Family Resource Centre. The event was chaired by Mary Shanahan of KSEC and then those attending had the opportunity to see the heating and lighting upgrades in the Centre itself and to network and enjoy the refreshments. Now upwards and onwards to BEC 2018 and the next two information evenings: Wed 25th October 6.30 in Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin and Thurs 23rd Nov 6.30 in Leabharlann an Daingin.
Citizens Assembly on Tackling Climate Change July 25, 2017 Uncategorized On the weekend of 30th September,2017 the Citizens Assembly will deliberate on the topic of ‘How the State can make Ireland a leader in tackling climate change.’ This is an opportunity to express our concerns and have our voices heard. KSEC is encouraging people to make submissions – follow the links below. What is the deadline? Submissions must be made by August 11th. Postal submissions are also accepted (16 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, D01 X9Y2) stopclimatechaos.ie citizensassembly.ie
Householder attitudes and behaviours on environment issues April 2, 2016 Uncategorized The CSO publication on householder attitudes and behaviours on environment issues was published on 23 March. Visually easy to follow and digest, it includes information on: main fuels used in households in regions; Use of additional heating sources; Awareness of environmental schemes and initiatives; Installation of energy saving products in owner occupied and other non rented households; Main determinant when buying a car; Influence of Energy Efficiency rating or label; Household’s main method for disposing of non-recyclable household waste; Household’s main method for disposing of recyclable household waste; popular measures to reduce waste; and other headings/graphics. Has your household installed any of the following energy saving products in the last 10 years Read more on the CSO website