Dingle Peninsula 2030
The Research
Established in 2018, this is an innovative multi-partner initiative on the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, involving the Dingle Hub, ESB Networks, NEWKD, and MaREI – working with the local community to enable the broader societal changes required for the sustainable transition. Through engaged research with its partners, MaREI is supporting the practical development and tracking, analysing, and documenting of experiential learnings. MAREI has also provided analysis on the Dingle Peninsula’s current energy demand and renewable energy potential and analysed the ESB Networks 'Dingle Project’ Ambassador and EV trials.
The Impact
Outcomes of this research include the development of the West Kerry Dairy Farmers Sustainable Energy Community (SEC); a local roadmap for anaerobic digestion; a more informed and involved local community; national and international recognition; and the designation of the Peninsula as Kerry County Council's Decarbonisation Zone. As a result of this project there has been a noticeable diffusion of sustainability in the local community, especially within the home energy and farming sectors, and an increase in solar PV usage on the peninsula. Further anticipated impacts include a policy change relating to the provision of core funding and support for community-based climate action initiatives and a decrease in local carbon emissions. MaREI’s involvement in this initiative is contributing to learning on engaged research through organizations such as Campus Engage and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The project recently won the Engaged Research Award at the UCC Research Awards 2021.