The Corca Dhuibhne Tourism and Hospitality Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) proudly launched its Energy Master Plan (EMP) on October 23rd, 2024, at An Díseart, Green Street, An Daingean. Renowned travel journalist, Pól Ó Conghaile, gave a talk encouraging local businesses and the broader community to actively participate in the region's journey toward a more sustainable future.
Tourism: A Key Economic Driver for the Dingle Peninsula
Tourism plays a vital role in the Dingle Peninsula's economy. Recognising this, the SEC was established in March 2023 with the goal of fostering cleaner, more sustainable practices within the industry. As Ireland’s first dedicated Tourism and Hospitality SEC, this initiative sets out to create a clear, sustainable roadmap for businesses in the sector and will provide the learnings and pathways for other areas to take action. The Energy Baseline for the tourism sector on the peninsula is a staggering 29,913 MWh—equivalent to €5.9 million per annum. The SEC aims to make this energy consumption more efficient, reducing it by 75% to 7,713 MWh. And a potential to reduce their carbon footprint by 85%.
'We know that sustainability is playing an ever-greater role in the choices tourists make as they research, book and undertake travel. But what's easy to forget is that thinking sustainably can make bottom line business sense too - through economic savings and creating a kind of tourism that is more beneficial to community life. Ireland can really lead on this, I think." Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor, Irish Independent.
‘This project is an excellent example of collaboration between stakeholders, community groups and the tourism and hospitality industry. We would like to acknowledge all the wonderful help and support this project has received from the Dingle Hub, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Kerry County Council and the Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance in the key the aspects of Environmental monitoring, Community Engagement and Eco-friendly practices.’ Daithí Gallagher, Wild Atlantic Way Manager at FáilteThe Historical Significance of the Transatlantic Cable
Key Findings from the Energy Master Plan (EMP)
The Energy Master Plan (EMP), developed through engagement with local businesses, revealed that many businesses were uncertain about how to read their energy bills or unaware of the potential benefits of working with an energy broker. For instance, one average-sized B&B saved €3,000 per annum by simply switching energy providers after a brief phone call with an energy broker.
The plan also highlights the significant potential of solar PV (photovoltaic) systems for tourism businesses, particularly those in towns that experience higher footfall during the summer months. A 13-bedroom guesthouse in Dingle installed an 8kWp solar PV system, which now meets 50% of its electricity needs and offers a payback period of just four years.
Click Summary Findings Report
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Energy audits and site visits conducted through the EMP revealed that many businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, were using outdated kitchen and laundry appliances—often over 10 years old. Upgrading to more energy-efficient models will provide substantial energy savings.
Encouragingly, many of the EMP’s recommendations involve low or no-cost solutions. Simple measures like staff training and behavioral changes can yield significant results without the need for large-scale investment.
Solar PV Success and Expansion
Since its inception, the SEC has been working to install 400 kW of solar PV capacity across 20 local businesses. Progressing as part of the launch event, the SEC is excited to announce the opening of a second round of its Solar PV Meitheal. Businesses interested in joining this initiative will have the opportunity to sign up during the event and shared following the event.
Call to Action: Winter Workshops and Solar Group Buying Scheme
The SEC is calling on local businesses to take action by participating in a Solar PV Meitheal and attending a series of winter workshops. These workshops will focus on energy efficiency and food waste reduction, with specific sessions designed for hospitality kitchen and waiting staff to drive behavioral changes and improve sustainability practices. Information will be shared following the launch.
Enpower: Corca Dhuibhne Irish pilot is front-runner in Europe
The Corca Dhuibhne Tourism and Hospitality SEC is playing a central role in the development of new digital and energy technologies that align with local needs and concerns. Businesses can register their interest on a digital platform to participate in initiatives like the Solar PV Meitheal. Ongoing campaigns will allow businesses to choose the best time for their involvement and they will be supported through the actions relevant to them. Importantly, participants will provide feedback on their experiences to help refine the platform, maximising its value and potential to drive meaningful change. This work forms part of a Horizon Europe project, Enpower, where Dingle Peninsula is a front-running pilot due to the already significant active participation from tourism and agriculture businesses.
Deirdre de Bhailís, General Manager of Dingle Hub says “Over the next two years, this project will track energy actions on the peninsula to demonstrate, to Europe, the pathways for local businesses and communities to collaborate for a sustainable, self-sufficient future, thereby accelerating the clean energy transition.”
Project Leadership and Collaboration
The Dingle Hub is leading this project, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance. It forms part of the ongoing effort to ensure a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the Dingle Peninsula. This project is supported by the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities programme.
For more information, please contact:
Ann, Coordinator of the Corca Dhuibhne Tourism and Hospitality SEC
Email: ann@dinglehub.com
The ENPOWER (Energy Activated Citizens and Data-Driven Energy-Secure Communities for a Consumer-Centric Energy System) aims to design, develop, and demonstrate Social Sciences Humanitarian driven methodologies, interactive and closed-loop tools and services for energy-activated citizens and data-driven energy-secure communities towards a consumer-centric energy system. The project comprises 28 partners from 13 different countries. It is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, under agreement no. 101096354.
Turasóireacht: Príomh-inneall Eacnamaíoch Chorca Dhuibhne
Tá ról thar a bheith tábhachtach ag an turasóireacht i ngeilleagar Chorca Dhuibhne. I bhfianaise na fírice seo, bunaíodh an PFI i Márta 2023 agus é mar chuspóir aige cleachtais níos glaine agus níos inbhuanaithe a chothú san earnáil. Toisc é a bheith ar an gcéad PFI tiomnaithe go hiomlán do thurasóireacht agus fáilteachas in Éirinn, tá sé i gceist ag an tionscnamh seo slí shoiléir, inbhuanaithe a leagan amach do ghnónna san earnáil agus cuirfidh sé pointí foghlama ar fáil chun go mbeidh ceantracha eile in ann dul i mbun gnímh. An Bhunlíne Fuinneamh d'earnáil na turasóireachta ar an leithinis ná 29,913 MWh— méid ábhalmhór gurb ionann é agus €5.9 milliún sa bhliain. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an PFI go mbeidh an úsáid fuinnimh seo níos éifeachtaí, ag dul chun tairbhe na timpeallachta agus an gheilleagair áitiúil araon.
'Tá's againn go bhfuil ról atá ag fás de shíor ag an inbhuanaitheacht sna roghanna a ghlacann turasóirí agus iad ag déanamh taighde, áirithintí agus taistil. Ach tá sé fuirist dearúd a dhéanamh gurbh fhéidir leis an inbhuanaitheacht ciall a dhéanamh ó thaobh costaisí a laghdú do ghnónna chomh maith céanna, ag sábháil airgid agus ag cruthú saghas turasóireachta a théann níos mó chun tairbhe shaol an phobail leis. Is é mo thuairim ná go bhféadfadh Éire a bheith ina ceannródaí sa mhéid seo.' Pól Ó Conghaile, Eagarthóir Taistil, Irish Independent.
'Is sampla iontach é an tionscadal seo de chomhoibriú idir páirtithe leasmhara, grúpaí pobail agus an earnáil turasóireachta agus fáilteachais. Ba mhaith linn aitheantas a thabhairt don gcabhair agus tacaíocht láidir a fuair an tionscadal seo ó Dingle Hub, Údarás na Gaeltachta,Comhairle Contae Chiarraí agus Comhaontas Turasóireachta Chorca Dhuibhne ó thaobh príomh-ghnéithe na monatóireachta timpeallachta, Cumarsáide Pobail agus cleachtas Éiceabhách.' Dáithí Gallagher, Bainisteoir Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin ag Fáilte Ireland.
Príomh-Thorthaí an Mháistirphlean Fuinnimh (MF)
Léirigh an MF, a forbraíodh i gcomhpháirt le gnónna áitiúla, go raibh go leor gnónna éiginnte faoi conas a mbillí fuinnimh a léamh, nó aineolach maidir leis na buntáistí féideartha a eascraíonn as a bheith ag obair le bróicéir fuinnimh. Mar shampla, shábháil B&B amháin den mheánmhéid €3,000 díreach trína sholáthraí fuinnimh a athrú tar éis comhrá gairid le bróicéir fuinnimh.
Anuas air sin, léirigh an plean go soiléir an gealladh a bhaineann le córais phainéil ghréine FV (fótavoltacha) do ghnónna turasóireachta, go háirithe iadsan lonnaithe i mbailte go mbíonn níos mó turasóirí ann i rith an tsamhraidh. Chuir tigh lóistín amháin le 13 sheomra leapan sa Daingean córas painéil ghréine FV 8kWp isteach agus tá seo anois ag soláthar 50% dá riachtanais leictreachais, ag díol as féin thar cheithre bhliana.
Deiseanna Éifeachtachta Fuinnimh
Léirigh iniúchtaí fuinnimh agus turasanna ar ghnónna mar chuid den MF go raibh go leor gnónna, go háirithe in earnáil an fháilteachais, ag úsáid gléasanna cistine agus níocháin a bhí as dáta, agus iad go minic os cionn 10 mbliana d'aois. D'fhéadfaidis sábháil fuinnimh suntasach a dhéanamh ach uasghrádú go dtí gléasanna níos éifeachtaí ó thaobh fuinnimh.
Ar an dea-uair, tá réiteach ar chostas íseal, nó gan costas ar bith, ag baint le go leor de mholtaí an MF. Is féidir sábháil suntasach a bheith mar thoradh ar bhearta simplí leithéidí traenáil foirne agus athruithe ar ghnáthchleachtais, gan aon ghá d'infheistíocht ar scála ard.
Rath agus Leathadh Córais Phainéil Ghréine FV
Ó cuireadh tús leis, tá an PFI ag obair chun cumas fuinnimh gréine FV de 400kW a shuiteáil thar 20 gnó áitiúil. Mar chuid den imeacht seolta sa Díseart, tá an-áthas ar an PFI a fhógairt go bhfuilid ag oscailt an tarna babhta dá ghrúpscéim ceannaithe painéil ghréine FV. Beidh deis ag gnónna go bhfuil spéis acu sa tionscnamh seo síniú suas le linn an imeachta.
Gairm chun Gnímh: Ceardlanna Geimhridh agus Grúpscéim Ceannaithe Cumhacht Ghréine
Tá an PFI ag glaoch ar ghnónna áitiúla a bheith gníomhach trí bheith rannpháirteach ina tarna grúpscéim cheannaithe cumhacht ghréine FV agus chun freastal ar shraith ceardlann geimhridh. Beidh na ceardlanna seo dírithe ar éifeachtacht fuinnimh agus laghdú ar dhramhaíl bídh, le seisiúin ar leith do chistiní fáilteachais agus baill foirne freastail mar shlí chun athruithe ó thaobh gnáthiompair a athrú agus feabhas a chur ar chleachtais inbhuanaitheachta.
Enpower: Tionscadal ceannródaíoch Chorca Dhuibhne chun tosaigh san Eoraip
Tá PFI Turasóireachta agus Fáilteachais Chorca Dhuibhne ag comhlíonadh ról lárnach i bhforbairt teicneolaíochta nua digití agus fuinnimh atá ag teacht le riachtanais agus réitigh ar fhadhbanna áitiúla. Is féidir le gnónna a spéis a bheith rannpháirteach i dtionscnaimh leithéidí an Mheitheal Gréine FV a chlárú ar ardán digiteach. Cuirfidh feachtais leanúnacha é ar chumas ghnónna an t-am is fearr dóibh a roghnú chun páirt a ghlacadh agus gheobhaidh siad tacaíocht i bhfoirm gníomhartha atá ábhartha dóibh féin. Tabharfaidh rannpháirtithe aisfhreagra maidir lena dtaithí mar bhealach chun feabhas a chur ar an ardán, rud atá fíorthábhachtach chun cur le luach agus cumas an tionscadail chun athruithe fiúntacha a thiomáint. Tá an obair seo ina cuid de Enpower, tionscnamh le Horizon Europe, mar a bhfuil Corca Dhuibhne i mbun tionscadail phíolótaigh de bharr an rannpháirtíochta suntasaí atá ann cheana féin ó ghnónna turasóireachta agus talmhaíochta.
'Sea deireann Deirdre de Bhailís, Bainisteoir Ginearálta Dingle Hub: “Thar an dá bhliain amach romhainn beidh an tionscadal seo ag coimeád cuntas de ghníomhaíochtaí fuinnimh i gCorca Dhuibhne chun a léiriú don Eoraip go bhfuil slí do ghnónna agus pobail áitiúla comhoibriú lena chéile chun todhchaí inbhuanaithe neamhspleách a bhaint amach, agus sa tslí seo chun luas a chur faoin aistriú go fuinneamh glan.“
Ceannasaíocht agus Comhoibriú an Tionscadail
Tá ról ceannais ag Dingle Hub maidir leis an tionscadal seo, agus iad ag obair i gcomhpháirt le Fáilte Ireland, Comhairle Contae Chiarraí, Údarás na Gaeltachta, agus Comhaontas Turasóireachta Chorca Dhuibhne. Tá sé ina chuid d'iarrachtaí leanúnacha a chinntiú go mbeidh todhchaí níos inbhunaiathe ó thaobh timpeallachta agus geilleagair ann do Chorca Dhuibhne. Faigheann an tionscadal seo tacaíocht ó chlár Phobail Fuinnimh Inbhuanaithe de chuid ÚFIÉ (Údarás Fuinnimh Inmharthana na hÉireann).
Breis eolais ach teagmháil a dhéanamh le:
Ann, Comhordaitheoir PFI Turasóireachta agus Fáilteachais Chorca Dhuibhne
Rphost: HYPERLINK "mailto:ann@dinglehub.com"ann@dinglehub.com
Tá sé mar aidhm ag ENPOWER (Energy Activated Citizens and Data-Driven Energy-Secure Communities for a Consumer-Centric Energy System) dearadh, forbairt agus léiriú a dhéanamh ar mhodheolaíochtaí, uirlisí agus seirbhísí idirghníomhacha agus 'lúb iata' do shaoránaigh atá tiomanta ó thaobh éifeachtacht fuinnimh agus do phobail atá tiomanta ag sonraí agus slán ó thaobh fuinnimh atá ag gluaiseacht i dtreo córas fuinnimh ina mbeidh an tomhaltóir lárnach. Tá 28 pairtnéirí ó 13 tír páirteach sa tionscadal. Tá sé á mhaoiniú ag clár Horizon Europe de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh, faoi chomhaontú uimhir 101096354.