This article is from page 26 of the 2011-01-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
AS GREATER emphasis is placed on the importance of renewable energy, Clarecastle man Eddie Connors is operating at the coalface of a growing industry.
A qualified Woodwork, Technology, Maths, Science, and IT Secondary level teacher, Eddie established Clare’s first ever eco-farm – Imecofarm – at a 100 acre site at Islandmcgrath, Clarecastle.
The farm operates as a centre for renewable energy training courses, a wildlife reserve and destination for family days out and school tours.
With energy bills on the rise, the level of public interest in renewable energy has seen a growth in demand for courses like those on offer at Eddie’s farm.
“This is one of the big reasons we get people from all parts of Ireland. People studying and visiting imecofarm, realise that its not only possible to have reduced heating and electricity bills, but also little or no waste charges, collect your own water, grow food, and be very self sustainable very easily,” Eddie said.
Plans are already underway to increase the number of courses on offer at the farm. Eddie explained, “In 2010 we managed to get started at imecofarm, and over these winter months we are preparing and adding some major projects to imecofarm, for 2011 including an eco library, a huge eco craft area where people can build small projects like birdfeeders, etc, a wheelchair friendly farm trail, a huge wildlife pond, rope bridges indoor children’s pedal go karts, an eco train, and lots more renewable energies to run the whole centre and farm.”
While Eddie admits that “cash flow” is the most difficult part to any emerging business, support from outside agencies has been crucial.
He said, “Clare County Council have been very helpful in advice in all aspects relating to planning per- mission, signage and also many environmental and biodiversity displays here. Paperwork and permissions can be tedious and difficult for every new business, so it’s great to be able to get advice, and help from different bodies. The Clare local Development Company, Leader, have given terrific support and have granted three applications of funding towards the project”.
Volounteers have also played a key role in helping the project get off the ground.
Eddie added, “We have people volunteering to help with our nature projects, gardens, and energy displays, so this has been a massive help to keeping down labour costs, get projects done, and also allows a very special low entry rate for the people of Clare and beyond. Volunteers are also learning about renewables here and receive vouchers, and if looking for work, find that working on projects here shows great initiative, giving better employment prospects”.
He said, “We are also looking at FETAC qualifications to some of the courses here, as well as FÁS registration. Some people are also eligible for funding on our training courses, so this helps those wanting to learn, but without high incomes. Cashflow is always the most difficult part of a new business, but from next Easter on, we are aiming to be busy, and continue to grow each year, with school tours, families, tourists, and training courses here at imecofarm”.