Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown shows locals how to reduce energy costs

The Energy Upgrades at Home & in the Community event offered advice and guidance on how to reduce energy costs and avail of grants and resources

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 16:15, 13 Oct 2026 View 2 Images Attendees at the Energy Upgrades at Home and in the Community event in the County Hall, Dun Laoghaire (Image: Liadh Connolly for Coalesce)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) welcomed more than 200 attendees to learn how to reduce their energy costs.

The Energy Upgrades at Home & in the Community event took place at County Hall on Marine Road and saw residents, community groups, and experts come together for advice on reducing costs and improving energy efficiency. The free event offered information on grants and financial support available for energy upgrades.

Visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), SSE Airtricity One-Stop-Shop, CORE Credit Union, CODEMA Dublin ’s Energy Agency and SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities, as well as a BER assessor.

Three themed information sessions focused on home energy upgrades and financing options; practical ways to save energy and money; and solar energy for homes and communities, including grants available for community energy projects.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Barry Saul explained that decarbonisation and proving energy efficiency in homes is one way people can contribute to sustainability. “but people need clear, practical information to make informed decisions,” the Fine Gael rep said.

“Bringing trusted experts together in one place gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, understand the supports available and identify the actions that are right for their homes and communities.”

View 2 Images Residents and community groups engage with exhibitors and energy experts (Image: Liadh Connolly for Coalesce)

Dlr has already exceeded the Government’s 2030 public sector energy-efficiency target of 50%, achieving a 61% improvement by 2025. The Council has also reduced carbon emissions by 29% as it continues to work towards the national 2030 target of 51% .

“Our work on energy and decarbonisation extends beyond the Council’s own buildings and operations. Providing households and communities with practical information and access to trusted resources is an important part of supporting the transition to a low-carbon county,” Chief Executive Frank Curran said.

“This event, which received support from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment through ‘We’re Taking Climate Action’ DZ Demonstrator funding, shows the value of bringing local government, energy experts, communities and residents together to support practical climate action.”

Across its own operations, dlr has invested in measures to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. These include LED public lighting, solar photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, building energy upgrades and the continued decarbonisation of the Council’s vehicle fleet.

The council’s recent shortlisting for the SEAI Energy Awards also recognises its sustained approach to energy management and carbon reduction, with the winner due to be announced on November 4.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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