13/02/2015

Dublin Council Commits To Solar Energy

Dublin City Council is to invest more in solar energy production this year, following a report that showed the city is a suitable location for the renewable energy source.

A new 'IBM Smarter Cities Challenge' report has been published by the City Council. It said investing in solar energy production could pay for itself in seven to 13 years.

Following the report, Dublin Council has said it will install solar panels on the Civic Offices on Wood Quay and four Dublin City Public Library buildings in 2015.

The report found that the solar panels will produce roughly 20% of the energy at each library and save Dublin City Council an estimated €21,000 in energy bills. Subject to surveying and final confirmation, Coolock, Ballymun, Cabra and Raheny libraries will be fitted with solar panels.

It is thought solar energy could play a substantial role in helping Ireland meet an EU requirement to provide 16% of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

Owen Keegan, Dublin City Council Chief Executive, said: "Dublin City Council participated in the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge because we wanted to explore if solar could help us meet our energy needs more economically and efficiently. On behalf of the council I welcome today’s report which contains very useful recommendations on how solar can be applied in Dublin city."

(IT/MH)

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