Blueprint for a greener Inishowen

An action plan that aims to create a de-carbonised and more sustainable Inishowen has been described as a “game-changer” for our peninsula. On Thursday, April 27, the public are invited to the launch of the Inishowen Sustainable Energy Community’s (ISEC) strategic plan at the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel at 7pm.

Keynote speaker on the night will be Claire Irwin, of Irwin Consulting, and television quantity surveyor on RTE’s ‘Room to Improve’.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to speak at the launch on such a forward-thinking plan,” says Claire.

“The opportunities that this plan presents are far-reaching and I’m very excited to be able to support Inishowen SEC and the local community on this journey.”

The ISEC strategic plan is an accumulation of extensive work by the committee and the appointed consultants, led by ConsortiaCo over the past 12 months.

Key members of the agri, youth, community, training and business sectors in Inishowen were engaged in a workshop process in February and played a significant role in developing the plan.

Inishowen Development Partnership is the lead partner of Inishowen SEC, which was established in 2019. However, the committee is a collaborative group, which includes representatives from Inishowen Co-Op, Donegal County Council as well as a diverse range of industry and academic stakeholders from across the local community.

Reshaping our energy future

The launch of the strategic plan on April 27 will not only give the public a chance to view the plan and hear from the consultants directly, it will also allow the public a chance to learn more about the ISEC and its members.

Paul McGonigle, who is a team lead with IDP and a member of Inishowen SEC, says he believes this strategic plan could make “fundamental differences to Inishowen, its people, economy and its sustainability.”

Paul explains how part of the plan includes developing renewable energy alternatives for the region as well as providing a just transition for all members of the community.

For example grid access has been approved for four separate 100 per cent community-owned energy projects which now move on to second stage feasibility.

“This will be a game changer for Inishowen,” says Paul.

“These projects have the potential to produce almost 20MW of green electricity capable of powering approximately 16,000 homes and are just a fraction of the potential.”

“The agri-sector and our farmers will play a significant role in reshaping the energy future of the region also,” added Paul.

Also at the heart of the strategic plan is the establishment of a multi-stakeholder cooperative, whose primary role is to develop a leading sustainable network across Inishowen.

To find out more about this and the strategic plan, come along to the launch night next Thursday, April 27 at 7pm in the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel.

This is free to attend, however booking is advised via ‘Eventbrite’ online or by emailing enquiries@ inishowen.ie with the words ‘Inishowen SEC’ in the subject line.

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