Donegal Energy Action Team - DEAT

Roger Adair was appointed manager of DEAT in late 2001, coming from a three year period as manager of Mayo Energy Agency in Ballina. DEAT is based within the Community, Enterprise & Cultural Services Unit and provides a range of services both to the public and to Donegal County Council.

The main service provided to the public is the provision of impartial professional advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Enquiries are received on a broad range of topics typically ranging from choosing the best  type of home insulation to underfloor heating, geothermal heat pumps, solar water heating and the feasibility of developing wind and hydro electricity projects with a community stake holding.

DEAT has access to information on a wide range of energy topics through Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Association of Irish Energy Agencies and the MANAGENERGY network of European Energy Agencies.

A project currently in the pipeline is the distribution of energy tips thermometer cards to every household in the county. Also, public access energy information points are to be established in the new council offices in the electoral areas.

Within Donegal County Council, DEAT has a wide range of roles centered on management of the energy section of An Straiteis 2002-2012.

These range from identifying energy and cost savings, within existing operations and new projects to developing energy planning within the Councils Geographic Information System.

Roger Adair, Donegal Energy Action Manager, September 2002