Dolmen’s Climate Action Network launched a new Sustainable Energy Community Project that will see local people investigate and build a local energy resource for the Castlewellan and Newcastle area of South Down. The Dolmen’s project, funded by the Lottery through the Climate Action Fund, is one of four communities in Northern Ireland who have been awarded support and funding to build a local energy community.
Michael Donnelly, explained “The Dolmen’s Network is made up of members of the surrounding communities of Castlewellan who were all keen to work together to address the challenges of climate change though a variety of positive activities and projects. This includes events, walks, seed and plant sharing, apple pressing, educational sessions on economics and biodiversity. The group has generated a local Repair Café where people can bring items destined for landfill to be repaired, and the Castlewellan Community Gardens.
This latest project is the result of a successful application by Advice NI, the Atlantic Technological University, National Energy Action NI and other partners to the National Lottery Climate Fund. The Project Manager, John Begley, introduced the two Advice NI project coordinators Jason Henry and Eleazar Chidaidi. “We will support the Dolmens and three other communities in Northern Ireland over two years. During that time the groups will explore the energy landscape within their own communities and look at exemplars elsewhere, to develop a low carbon sustainable energy master plan. There will also be an opportunity for local primary schools to have a visit from the Advice NI team to learn about climate change. While this type of project is new in Northern Ireland, there are over 200 similar projects completed or ongoing in the Republic of Ireland”.
Professor David Rooney from QUB helped launch the project with a talk about the challenges that Northern Ireland faces to reach net zero by 2050, which is the target set by the NI Climate Act 2022. “Northern Ireland is currently way off target, and on the current trajectory it would take some 100 years to reach net zero! It’s clear that our infrastructure is not resilient to cope with the climate change weather events, such as the recent floods in Newry and Downpatrick”. Professor Rooney pointed out “there is no easy route to net Zero and that it involves generating more energy through renewables, using less energy, and changing to a green economy. Public sector buildings could be part of the solution, such as putting solar panels on schools, and that heat, which might be a by product of hospital’s energy generation, could be used to heat a swimming pool or other buildings. I am quite optimistic that NI is in a position to be innovative and find solutions”.
The talk stimulated an enthusiastic discussion, with a very knowledgeable audience who collectively had experience of installing thermal, solar, wind, biodigesters and wind pumps. Over the next few months the Dolmen’s team will develop a plan of consultation, events and study visits. If anyone would like to join the Dolmens or learn more about the project they should email michael@secondnature.ie To learn more about energy saving visit the energysavingtrust.org.uk an take part in Energy Saving Week 2024.