Open Tours, Information and Training Available to the Public
From Monday 17 February to Friday 21 February, Shantalla will play host to the Mount Lucas Retrofitting Rig - a fully equipped mobile Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) unit to deliver training on energy upgrades and retrofitting in communities across Ireland. The mobile rig will be based in T O'Higgins & Company Limited Homevalue, Shantalla, with free, open tours available throughout the week for anyone interested in retrofitting their home. Spaces are limited. For more information or to book a training slot, contact Evan.Carney@GalwayCity.ie or call (091) 536 400. This initiative is part of the Net Zero Cities programme.
Over the course of the week, a range of formal and informal training will be delivered from the mobile rig, including NZEB Fundamental Awareness, Retrofit for Homeowner courses, and information on a range of topics including insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.
Speaking about the initiative, Evan Carney, Climate Action Team, Galway City Council said, “As part of the EU Net Zero Cities project, Galway City Council is working with the University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, Galway Energy Co-operative and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly to improve the energy efficiency in residential homes in Galway City - Improving the accessibility of retrofitting skills and training in the city is a key element of this project. The mobile training unit provides an excellent opportunity for students, construction workers, community groups and individuals to learn about retrofitting, and to participate in NZEB training courses close to home. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings in Galway City will help reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.”
The NZEB Retrofitting Rig was developed by the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas. The mobile training unit is powered by solar PV panels and includes a working heat pump and ventilation system, making it entirely self-sufficient and a showcase for emerging technologies.
The rig will return to Galway City from Saturday 1 March to Friday 7 March, in the University of Galway campus, giving another chance to see the rig in operation.