COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (2)

Monday, April 29, 2013

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor D. Looney

Cathaoirleachs Business

That this Committee request a report on potential for hydroelectric generation on the Dodder, Poddle and other rivers in the area under the remit of this Committee; on how any generated electricity could be used; and on any other projects related to renewable energy generation under consideration by the Council in this area.

REPORT:

The Planning Department are preparing a Local Area Renewable Energy Strategy which will identify areas in the county which will be suitable for renewable energy generation. This will encompass all potential renewable energy sources in the County which will serve to link renewable energy production in the county to policy. 

South Dublin County Council has been successful again this year in our bid for NTA funding for the Dodder Valley Pedestrian and Cycle routes. It is envisaged that a Hydrodynamic generator on the Firhouse weir could power the lighting of this route. This would also serve to raise awareness of renewable energy technologies in the local community.

We have received a quote from a specialist for preparing a feasibility study on the suitability of two locations on the Dodder for hydroelectric generation. We hope to fund this study through our involvement with the SEAI in the Tallaght Sustainable Energy Community project.

Initial studies have been done on the possibility of locating wind turbines in the Sean Walsh and Jobstown Parks in Tallaght. Wind turbines were included in the Part 8 for the Jobstown Park Masterplan which was prepared by our Parks Department.

We are also working with Veolia on their proposal for a large wind turbine at the Red Cow Interchange. Consideration is being given to installing a wind turbine in Belgard Reservoir.

In the Water Service Department, a trial of the WCIL solar system, in Hibernian Industrial Estate off the Greenhills Road, Tallaght, is ongoing and has been live since 29/02/12.  Modifications were made to the outstation and converted to minimise power demand.  The solar panel will be able to run two pressure transducers in addition to the existing flowmeter.  Each installation cost €5,100 inclusive of VAT. Solar panels are powering rechargeable batteries in two water meters in St. Killians Junior and Senior National Schools in Kingswood, Tallaght.

Solar panels are also being used to power the cameras at the two of  screens on the Poddle River at Kimmage & Wainsfort Manors.