Rural homes will face the carbon challenge head-on -  Ó Cuív

“I have been attacked today for expressing the view that rural homes have huge competitive advantages in tackling the carbon challenge head-on.

“I stated my view at Dáil Question Time yesterday that rural homes have distinct natural advantages in becoming carbon neutral.

“The common sense tradition of rural Ireland was to build homes facing a southerly direction that took full advantage of the sun’s light and warmth. With better solar panels becoming more affordable this all puts rural homes in pole position to capitalise on their traditional smart economy of design. This cuts down on lighting and heating costs over the course of the year. Modern day experts recommend this and now call this rural common sense ‘solar passivity.’

“Rural people are unlocking the potential of the Smart Economy everyday by putting traditional rural common sense to work with new tools and new technology.

“I also stated in the Dáil yesterday that the development of new technologies is improving the possibility that small wind turbines will become more viable in the future. I see significant possibilities for people in rural Ireland to be very carbon efficient through more use by rural dwellers, farmers and rural business of small wind turbines to cut their energy bills over time.

“They might pay a little extra for petrol but that will be offset by the possibility of using new technology for the home because many rural people have the space to install turbines unlike in urban areas.

“The Western Development Commission has done considerable work on wood as a source of renewable energy and it is not subject to carbon tax. Farmers for example are in a fantastic position to provide themselves with wood energy, a sustainable source, and it increases the amount of money staying in our own economy.

“Rural homes will face the carbon challenge head-on if we use our traditional creativity to find new ways to tap into existing resources. In fact, rural Ireland has a great capacity to reduce the impact of the carbon tax by using smart ways to avail of all the resources available.”