Wexford Energy & EV Expo coming to Enniscorthy this month

Homeowners considering a retrofit, motorists curious about electric vehicles and businesses looking to reduce their energy costs are being encouraged to attend the free Wexford Energy & EV Expo at the Astro Active Community Centre in Bellfield, Enniscorthy, on Thursday, October 22nd.

Running from 10.30 am to 4 pm, the event will bring together around 30 exhibitors, expert speakers and local organisations, offering practical advice on home energy efficiency, retrofit, grants and supports, electric and hybrid vehicles, business energy use and air quality. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear first-hand experiences and explore practical solutions.

Clare Kelly, Climate Action Coordinator with Wexford County Council, said the Expo is about “Helping people to make confident decisions regarding their own personal energy journey. From meeting people in our communities, common queries we come across are – where do I start, will that work for my home, what grants are available, and how do I access them? We want people to leave the Expo with a clear understanding of the options available to them and, more importantly, equip people with the tools to make informed choices.”

Sandra Martin, Community Climate Action Officer, added, “We are delighted to hold our first Energy Expo in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford’s Decarbonisation Zone (DZ). A DZ is a specific geographic area chosen by a local authority to act as a test bed for a range of climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity measures; hosting our inaugural Energy Expo here was the perfect opportunity to highlight that.”

For motorists, the dedicated EV panel at 11.30 am will tackle some of the most common questions around making the switch to electric or hybrid. Owners of different types of EV’s will share their experiences, covering everything from charging and longer journeys to running costs and everyday driving. The session will be moderated by Paddy Commyn of DoneDeal Cars. Visitors will also be able to see a selection of electric and hybrid vehicles up close, with models from leading motoring brands on display.

The Business Energy panel at 12.30 pm will focus on the opportunities for businesses to manage energy use and efficiency, improve sustainability and reduce costs. Speakers will include Carmel Moran of Wexford Local Enterprise Office alongside an energy specialist, Seamus Dermody, from the SEEA and moderated by Amanda Stewart, CEO of the High Performance Building Alliance. The session will look at the practical challenges facing businesses and the supports and solutions available.

One of the highlights will be a homeowner panel at 2 pm, bringing together people with different home energy journeys. Yvonne Doyle Curtis, Architectural Conservation Officer with Wexford County Council, SEAI representative Ann Green and two homeowners who have completed a retrofit. The panel will be moderated by Amanda Stewart, CEO of the High Performance Building Alliance. The session will look at the practical realities of improving energy efficiency in different types of homes, including the decisions involved, lessons learned and the supports available.

The programme will also turn its attention to air quality at 3 pm, with a special session exploring the links between energy, home heating, transport and the quality of the air we breathe. Experts Prof John Wenger and Shona Brid O’Sullivan of UCC will discuss their research carried out on Air Quality in Enniscorthy.

Those attending with specific questions about their own energy use can also bring along their electricity bill for a pre-booked free one-to-one appointment at the Energy Clinic. An engineer from SEEA will look at individual energy needs and identify potential opportunities for savings and improved efficiency, with no obligation. To book a free 15-minute appointment, email climateaction@wexfordcoco.ie

The Expo will feature representatives from Wexford County Council, Wexford Local Enterprise Office, SEAI, SEEA, the High Performance Building Alliance, UCC, and DoneDeal alongside businesses and specialists from across the energy, retrofit and EV sectors.

Everyone who attends is eligible to enter a free draw to win a €500 energy voucher, courtesy of the Wexford County Council Climate Action Team.

The Wexford Energy Expo – Enniscorthy DZ Energy & EV Expo takes place on Thursday, October 22nd from 10.30 am to 4 pm at the Astro Active Community Centre, Bellfield, Enniscorthy, Y21 W640. Admission is free, and pre-registration is recommended, although walk-ins are welcome. For registration and further information, visit www.wexfordcoco.ie/WexfordEnergyExpo.