Monday, August 25, 2008

National Renewable Energy Conference For Bunratty

Renewable Energy Skills has announced it will host the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference in The Shannon Shamrock Conference Centre, Bunratty, Co Clare on Friday 17th October 2008.

The key focus of this year’s conference will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad. Mr. Dick Whelan of Renewable Energy Skills (RES) explained that the provision of quality products and services to the consumer was crucial to the continued success of any industry.

He continued, ‘There has been some major steps forward recently taken in the Irish renewable energy sector, including the introduction of installer accreditation and minimum quality performance standards for products. At present, however, this is only applicable in the case of installations that are grant aided. The phased introduction of building energy ratings for housing and commercial buildings is another positive initiative’.

Mr. Whelan said that the upcoming conference would review where the renewable energy sector with regard to quality assurance in Ireland. ‘We will also examine European best practice and highlight improvements that can be made for the future across the various technologies. Meanwhile, conference delegates will have the opportunity to celebrate success within the industry at the Gala Award Dinner, which will feature the presentation of FETAC certificates to qualified renewable energy professionals from across the country’, he added.

Fergus Blake of Clare-based Shamrock Solar Energies Ltd, a founding member of the RES network stated, “This conference offers a unique opportunity to all stakeholders in Ireland’s building energy sector. It brings together professional and trades in the industry, architects, engineers, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information, and to exchange ideas on technology trends and what is happening in Europe.”

The 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation. Other speakers include national and European experts on Solar thermal, Heatpump, Biomass, Energy policy, Microgeneration and Low carbon housing. Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet confirmed that it has had a record year to date as regards training numbers while its membership base has grown considerably.

Persons interested in attending the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference, the Gala Award Dinner or attending any of the renewable energy training events provided nationally should visit www.renewableenergy.ie, call 061 514 598 or email info@renewableenergy.ie.

National Renewable Energy Conference For Bunratty

Renewable Energy Skills has announced it will host the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference in The Shannon Shamrock Conference Centre, Bunratty, Co Clare on Friday 17th October 2008.

The key focus of this year’s conference will be the promotion of quality assurance within the renewable energy heating industry. National and international experts will explore its importance and benefits in the design, supply and installation of renewable energy heating technologies both in Ireland and abroad. Mr. Dick Whelan of Renewable Energy Skills (RES) explained that the provision of quality products and services to the consumer was crucial to the continued success of any industry.

He continued, ‘There has been some major steps forward recently taken in the Irish renewable energy sector, including the introduction of installer accreditation and minimum quality performance standards for products. At present, however, this is only applicable in the case of installations that are grant aided. The phased introduction of building energy ratings for housing and commercial buildings is another positive initiative’.

Mr. Whelan said that the upcoming conference would review where the renewable energy sector with regard to quality assurance in Ireland. ‘We will also examine European best practice and highlight improvements that can be made for the future across the various technologies. Meanwhile, conference delegates will have the opportunity to celebrate success within the industry at the Gala Award Dinner, which will feature the presentation of FETAC certificates to qualified renewable energy professionals from across the country’, he added.

Fergus Blake of Clare-based Shamrock Solar Energies Ltd, a founding member of the RES network stated, “This conference offers a unique opportunity to all stakeholders in Ireland’s building energy sector. It brings together professional and trades in the industry, architects, engineers, industry leaders, policy makers, suppliers and academics to share information, and to exchange ideas on technology trends and what is happening in Europe.”

The 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference will feature a keynote address from Mr. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation. Other speakers include national and European experts on Solar thermal, Heatpump, Biomass, Energy policy, Microgeneration and Low carbon housing. Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Skills Skillnet confirmed that it has had a record year to date as regards training numbers while its membership base has grown considerably.

Persons interested in attending the 4th National Renewable Energy Heating Conference, the Gala Award Dinner or attending any of the renewable energy training events provided nationally should visit www.renewableenergy.ie, call 061 514 598 or email info@renewableenergy.ie.

Clare Heritage Week 2008 Kicks Off

Over fifty events are scheduled to take place around Clare as part of Heritage Week 2008.

Clare Heritage Section Lectures:
- Tuesday 26 August (7.30–8.30pm), Main Street, Miltown Malbay.
“Currachs, Boats & Placenames of Miltown Malbay” - An exploration of the Cultural Heritage of Miltown Malbay through an in-depth discussion of the currach, boat and placename heritage of the area. Speakers: Darina Tully, Marine Collections Expert, and Donal de Barra, Placenames Expert. More info from tmacconmara@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846456
- Wednesday 27 August (10.30am-4pm), Loop Head Peninsula, Loop Head.
“Clare Built Heritage Survey” - The survey is available to a limit of twelve people. A training workshop will be provided for those registered to participate. Dependent on demand a second day may be arranged. Speakers: Simon Large, County Archaeologist, and Risteárd Ua Cróinin, Conservation Officer. Booking is required. More info from slarge@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846454
- Thursday 28 August (6.30pm –7pm), Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis.
“From the Rainforest to County Clare” - The talk will discuss global biodiversity issues and place them in a Clare context. Speaker: Brigid Barry Clare Biodiversity Officer More info from bbarry@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846459.
- Thursday 28 August (7–7.30pm), Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis.
“Travelling Underwater from Greece to County Clare” - A comparison of marine species survey work carried out in the coastal rocky habitats of county Clare, and the eastern Aegean islands of Greece. Speaker: Catríona Lynch, Clare Database Manager. More info from clynch@clarecoco.ie or (065) 6846499

Admission to all lectures is free of charge.

Educational talks and walks outdoors for adults and children:
- Monday, 25 August (9pm), Dromore Woods Visitor Centre
“Going Bats” - Sinead Biggane, National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Tuesday 26 August (2pm), Slieve Carron Nature Reserve
“A BurrenPot Pourri: flowers, fungi, lichens and anything else that makes an appearance” - Sharon Parr, BurrenLIFE
- Wednesday 27 August (3.45pm), Tuamgraney Heritage Centre
“Exploring our Native Woodland” - Bob Wilson (CELT)
- Thursday 28 August (6.30pm), Glór Cafe, Ennis
“From the Rain forest to Clare & Traveling Underwater From Greece to Clare” - Brigid Barry and Catríona Lynch, Clare Biodiversity Group
- Thursday 28 August (8pm), Clare Museum, Ennis
“Bat Discovery Walk” - David Lyons and Elaine Keegan, Clare Bat Group
- Friday 29 August (7pm), The Burren Centre, Kilfenora
“The Loss of Arctic Char and Changes in Fish Communities in Lickeen Lough” - Fran Igoe, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board
- Saturday 30 August (10am - 6pm ), Doolin Caves car park
“High Cliffs and Deep Caves” - Martin McKeown, Clare Biodiversity Group. What to bring: picnic, suitable shoes, dress for the weather. Fee: 20 euros (adults) & 10 euros (kids) for caves entry and Cliffs of Moher boat. Book in advance to avoid disappointment (065-6846459)
- Saturday 30 August (2.30pm), Mountshannon Hotel car park
“Lakes, Lowlands and Mountains”- Hugh Weir, Natural Historian
- Sunday 31 August (3.30pm), Lighthouse, Loop Head
“Watch Out Loop Head” - Simon Berrow, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group
National Heritage Week In Johnstons Hall
Kinvara - 24th-31st August 2008