Launch of new Energy Agency for Connemara and Galway Islands

Is é Gníomhaireacht Fuinnimh an Iarthar (GFI) ceann de thrí Bunaíodh na Gníomhaireachtaí Fuinnimh Áitiúla (GFAnna) chun tacú le húinéirí tí, le pobail agus le gnóthais bheaga uasghrádú iarfheistithe fuinnimh a chur i bhfeidhm, Gníomhaireachtaí Fuinnimh Áitiúla sna réigiúin Fhoirimeallacha (GFÁF) a thugtar air

GFI is one of three Local Energy Agencies (LEAs) that have been set up to support homeowners, communities and small businesses to implement retrofit energy upgrades in our region also known as the LEAP Project (Local Energy Agencies in the Peripheral regions). Gníomhaireacht Fuinnimh an Iarthair (The Western Energy Agency known as GFI) was officially launched on December 7th at An Crompán, An Ceathrú Rua, Co. Galway

Connemara and Galway Islands energy initiative

Gníomhaireacht Fuinnimh an Iarthair (GFI) is one of three Local Energy Agencies in the LEAP (Local Energy Agencies for Peripheral Regions) project established by the Aran Islands Energy Cooperative with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta and the European Union.

The Local Energy Agencies (LEAs) were established to support homeowners, communities and businesses to implement energy retrofit upgrades in the region.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in collaboration with its partners, Aran Islands Energy Cooperative, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal County Councils, received EU LIFE funding to implement a work plan for retrofitting houses so that the houses are warmer, cheaper to heat and more valuable. Local Energy Agencies in Peripheral regions (GFAF or LEAP in English), funding will be provided to set up 3 Local Energy Agencies in the region as outlined below.

LEAP is designed as a multi-initiative approach to developing real and area-based home retrofit projects using the strategy outlined below.

Phase1: Establishing Local Energy Agencies

Phase2: Support improved local supply chains in the region – Create Home Retrofit Delivery Frameworks

Step3: Encouraging home owners in the region by providing them with independent advice and an integrated home renovation service

Phase 4: Work with multiple grant and finance providers to develop innovative and different funding models forarea-based home retrofit projects – all home owners will have an option to participate

Step5: Work with Local Authorities and Social Housing Bodies to start a multi-year work plan for area-based house retrofitting projects

Phase 1 of the strategy has now started and is supporting the establishment of 3 Local Energy Agencies through the LEAP project.

Contact:

Avril Uí Fhlaithearta, Manager of CFOAT (Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann Teoranta) 087-4158419 avril@aranislandsenergycoop.ie

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