23 November 2005
An innovative approach to identify local markets for Renewable Energy
An audit of the usage and cost of energy in public and community owned buildings across the County is being proposed by the Agricultural Sectoral Forum of Donegal County Development Board in a bid to identify possible local markets for renewable energy sources.
In an application for funding to the various Local Development Companies in the County under the Leader + Programme, the Agricultural Sectoral Forum has highlighted how this proposed audit has the potential to develop markets for alternative crops for the farming sector in turn sustaining existing employment and creating new employment opportunities in this sector.
“The growing worldwide pressure on the availability of fossil fuels and rising oil prices increases the potential for this project”, stated Barney McLaughlin CEDO with Donegal County Council. He added that “by carrying out this audit, the Agricultural Sectoral Forum will be identifying local market opportunities for local producers of renewable energy, including wood, bio-fuels, biomass, wind and solar. The potential outcome of this project for the county is a very positive one with both economic and environmental benefits”.
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For further information contact:
Anne Marie Conlon
Communications Officer
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 91 72574
Mob: 087 9192275
Email: amconlon@donegalcoco.ie
or
Mr. Barney McLaughlin
Community and Enterprise Development Officer
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 9724400