As part of our effort to transition to a low carbon society, people from multiple sectors across the Dingle Peninsula are working together to reduce carbon outputs and embrace a more sustainable way of life. The Dingle Hub is fostering this sustainable energy community (SEC) through events, projects, research and training.

Read:

The Value of Collaboration  (February 2021) [PDF]

View:

Infographic on Sustainable Energy Communities

“Enpower” Project

“Enpower” is a community-focused platform we’re piloting in Chorca Dhuibhne.

The aim of the platform is to lower energy spending through community campaigns instead of an individual household approach. These campaigns will include solar installations, LED upgrades, reviewing energy tariffs, etc. Approaching these efforts as a community rather than as individuals can decrease costs and increase awareness.

On the online platform, you can store your company details (such as CRO numbers, VAT numbers, etc.) safely in one place. Then if you’re interested in joining a solar or LED campaign your details are already on file, and it only takes one click of a button to register your interest.

The platform will help you keep up to date with campaigns that are being run in the area, as well as the latest methods and technologies to reduce your energy spending.

You are under no obligation to lock in for any of the campaigns when you register.

View:

Our registration page for the “Enpower” platform

Energy Master Plan (October 2018 – June 2019)

In October 2018, the Dingle Sustainable Energy Committee (SEC) commissioned an energy master plan for the peninsula, which included a survey of existing energy use. The survey concluded in June 2019, and the group produced a report outlining how the Dingle Peninsula could save energy in the coming years.

Since the plan’s release, energy saving targets for the region have increased to reflect the more ambitious targets set out in the Program for Government and Climate Action Bill of 2021.

Read:

• EMP Learning Brief  (August 2020) [PDF] 
• Energy Master Plan (February 2020) [PDF]
• EMP Consultants’ Supporting Detail (July 2019) [PDF]

View:

Interactive map charting energy usage for Dingle Peninsula communities

Watch on YouTube:

• Energy Action on the Dingle Peninsula (August 20, 2021)
• “Dingle Adapts” energy series, (streamed in five parts from May 27th to June 24th, 2021)

Community Energy Mentors (November 2019 – February 2020)

We believed that a small group of committed local volunteers could be trained in methods and means to transition to a low carbon society, and could then help the larger community (in a factual, non-judgmental manner) find ways to reduce their energy consumption.

Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB), now Kerry College, worked with the Dingle Hub and Dingle 2030 teams to provide a 12-week training course to ten community members (selected from many who volunteered).  The Community Energy Mentor Course began on 13 November 2019, with 10 participants, and ended on 13 February 2020.

Kerry ETB engaged Impact Training to oversee the logistics and delivery of the training. 

Read:

The Community Energy Mentor Training Course Learning Brief  (May 2021) [PDF]

Climate Hack (November 2019)

In November 2019, MaREI organized a two-hour “climate hack” with fourth and fifth year students in three secondary schools on the Dingle Peninsula to find out their key concerns on the climate crisis. Students assumed the role of town planner, and identified what they considered to be the most important components of the transition to a low-carbon society. They also aired their views on various means to accomplish that transition.

Climate Hack was part of Science Week, and was organized in collaboration with the Dingle Hub.  The three secondary schools who took part were Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Coláiste Íde and Meanscoil Nua an Leith-Triúigh.

A second Climate Hack was organized on-line during Science Week 2020.

Read:

Climate Hack Learning Brief (April 2020) [PDF]

Watch on YouTube:

Dingle Peninsula Climate Hack (2019)

LED Bulb Swaps

In April 2019 and February 2020, we held bulb swaps where people could exchange their old incandescent bulbs for new LED bulbs, free of charge (limit: four).  

In addition to promoting energy-efficient bulbs, we hoped to begin a discussion on home energy usage. If something as simple as changing a light bulb can significantly reduce the cost of home lighting, people might be encouraged to take additional small but meaningful actions.

We also asked people who took advantage of the swap to fill out a survey on their home energy usage (the results of this survey were later compared with an estimate from our Energy Master Plan)

The purpose of the survey was to gather data on residential energy usage, and associated costs, for comparison with an estimate that was being generated as part of the Energy Master Plan.

We acknowledge the great help of Garvey’s Supervalu in Dingle, who arranged for the donation of LED bulbs from Powerline.

Read:

LED Bulb Swap Learning Brief [PDF]

Watch on YouTube:

LED Bulb Exchange Dingle 2019