Killeedy
Smart and sustainable energy community in County Limerick
Description
Launched under the Smart Rural 27 initiative, the Killeedy Smart Village project encouraged infrastructural investments and the development of governance tools to meet the community needs of two small Irish villages in County Limerick in such areas as wastewater treatment and renewable energy with wind turbines, in accordance with the Killeedy Parish Plan 2019–2022 and the Energy Master Plan. The smart village project was launched to address the issue of the dwindling village populations and the direct impact on housing availability due to the creation of new businesses to attract new inhabitants. Applying a smart village approach, the community established the necessary infrastructure to meet housing needs and comprised three main components: establishing an Enterprise Park to accommodate businesses, a renewable energy feasibility study and a Pub-to-hub programme to promote music culture and attract tourism.
Technology
The Killeedy Parish Plan 2019–2022 envisioned the application of a number of digital technologies as part of the smart village project, including apps and QR-coded interpretative way markers, the development of a social media presence and informative websites. The smart village uses also a fully off-grid solar Eco Park, treating wastewater and ensuring sustainable practices. Farming has been supported by agritech solutions that monitor and analyse weather, pests, soil and air temperature. Plans for the agritech sector also include the automation of such tasks as the control of heaters and irrigation systems, and for pest control through aerosol pheromone dispersal. A digital nerve system in the form of a network of connected and automated devices and sensors was also envisaged under an Internet of things (IoT) approach.
Target
The rural community and food consumers were the main targets of the project, as beneficiaries of the increase in services, trade and job opportunities. The renewable wind and solar energy infrastructures supported the operations of smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives and medium-sizes farms, as well as the public and private sectors, through access to clean and sustainable energy.
Business model
The initiative was supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Impact
The village has made great strides in the field of renewable and sustainable energy through the creation of an integrated constructed wetland that can treat all of the wastewater generated by the community, and the creation of a clean and independent energy source in the form of an off-grid solar system. Furthermore, 14 thriving companies have been established in the new Enterprise Park, where 200 valuable job opportunities have been created. The village now plans to solidify its commitment to a greener future through the development of solar and wind energy infrastructures that can produce 5 MW and 4.9 MW of energy, respectively.
Partners
Kantoher Development Group Ltd.; O’Leary & Associates Training and Consultancy, European Commission’s Horizon 2020
Four Betters
Better nutrition
Better life
Better environment
