Funding For West Clare Group Water Scheme

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. welcomed today’s announcement that CLÁR top-up funding of EUR305,970 has been approved for works to be carried out on the Leitrim/Shyan Group Water Scheme in West Clare.

The Minister expressed confidence that the funding would help address some of the outstanding concerns of 121 households in Drumelihy, Cree, Cahermurphy and Cooraclare.

‘This allocation will enable a total value of works amounting to EUR1,229,549 to be carried out. The remainder will be funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and by private contributions from the Group members’, stated Minister Killeen.

The Junior Agriculture Minister continued, ‘A total of 121 households will benefit from the schemes with savings of EUR2,528.67 per household. This brings to 769 the number of domestic connections, which have been approved funding from CLÁR in Clare from 2002 to date under this scheme’.

Funding For West Clare Group Water Scheme

Mr. Tony Killeen, Minister of State and Clare T.D. welcomed today’s announcement that CLÁR top-up funding of EUR305,970 has been approved for works to be carried out on the Leitrim/Shyan Group Water Scheme in West Clare.

The Minister expressed confidence that the funding would help address some of the outstanding concerns of 121 households in Drumelihy, Cree, Cahermurphy and Cooraclare.

‘This allocation will enable a total value of works amounting to EUR1,229,549 to be carried out. The remainder will be funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and by private contributions from the Group members’, stated Minister Killeen.

The Junior Agriculture Minister continued, ‘A total of 121 households will benefit from the schemes with savings of EUR2,528.67 per household. This brings to 769 the number of domestic connections, which have been approved funding from CLÁR in Clare from 2002 to date under this scheme’.

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.