Sustainable Enniscorthy

The Slaney News is delighted to have the local Sustainable Enniscorthy group on board with their monthly column. In this issue the group reports on their recent Energy Saving Expo held in the Riverside Park Hotel on 25th January, 2023.

and good conversations” with people and “it’s all about the conversations” referring to the advice, business and networking benefits of the night.

Solar Electric solar PV (photovoltaic) panels were popular again at this Expo and this was very noticeable at their stand. People are really interested in the technology and are getting more educated on solar PV and renewables. Anyone who already has solar PVs wants more, so they advise to choose your PV position carefully and leave space on the roof for more panels. Newer technology is more powerful and produces more energy.

Wexford LEO (Local Enterprise Office) and Wexford Co. Council Environment Section shared a stand, with Caroline answering queries about LEO’s Green for Micro business supports and getting lots of interest in the Home Energy Saving Kit which is available to borrow from all libraries in Co. Wexford.

Liam Doyle from Doyle Boilers was very pleased with the Expo. He said he got business from the October event and expects the same again this time.

Áine Doyle from Enniscorthy Credit Union was delighted to take part in the Energy Saving Expo again. She was encouraged to see so many local businesses, organisations and people working together to make Enniscorthy sustainable. The credit union plays its part offering a Green Loan with a great rate to help finance energy upgrades.

Thomas McGuire, from the Irish EV (Electric Vehicle) Owners Association, is a longstanding supporter of Sustainable Enniscorthy starting at our first event outdoors on the Prom in September 2021. Thomas has a wealth of knowledge on EVs and had a wallbox home charger on display to show people what’s involved.

Paul Nolan from Kenny For Bikes found the credit union’s Green Loan fits in nicely with his Bike2Work promotion. Kenny For Bikes are an approved provider of the government-backed Cycle to Work scheme, which allows a tax incentive for the purchase of bicycles for those who may use a bike for all or part of their journeys to work, daily or occasionally. Paul describes electric bikes as “the future of our business”, explaining that electric bikes make up 60% of the product range of one of their main suppliers.

Jim and Sarah Byrne from JC Byrne Stoves and Fireplaces weren’t expecting so many people at the Expo and got quite a few enquiries. Previous customers dropped by and thanked them for what they’d done, which was lovely to hear.

Word of mouth is great and people love the warmth of a stove. Sarah described the power of the 28kW stove in their showroom which heats the showroom and 17 radiators in the house!

Fiona O’Loughlin, SEAI mentor, described the Energy Saving Expo as a very valuable professional networking event. She was impressed by the level of expertise available locally for every aspect of sustainability. Sustainable Enniscorthy would like to thank the Riverside Park Hotel for hosting the event and all the exhibitors and visitors for taking part in the Energy Saving Expo. Support Sustainable Enniscorthy by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Website: www.sustainableenniscorthy.com or contact us to get involved! n