Proposal for bank building as climate action centre

Kilcullen's former bank building could become a centre for climate action and sustainable community if an initiative proposed to Kildare County Council pans out, writes Brian Byrne.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer has asked Kildare County Council to consider buying the former Bank of Ireland premises to be used as a Climate Action Office, which could include an advice and training centre for people who want to take energy saving steps such as retrofitting their homes.

"Kilcullen is an appropriate place for this because it is already a Sustainable Energy Community, with its Master Plan completed," says Cllr O'Dwyer, who has brought the proposal privately to the Council's appropriate officials, with what she says has been a positive response. "I think there is a real opportunity here."

The Diary understands that Bank of Ireland would also be well disposed to having their former premises 'return to the community'. Though, as a business, their building will have to be sold as a commercial transaction. It is on the market for €325,000.

There is a precedent for such a move, as Dunleer SEC in Co Louth have their own premises, acquired with the support of Louth County Council. Cllr O'Dwyer has discussed their initiative with them, and feels that the Kilcullen SEC committee could similarly benefit. "Dunleer also have two staff members, part funded by the SEAI," Cllr O'Dwyer notes. "So what I'm proposing can be done."

As the push to climate action grows, there will be an increasing number of providers promoting their services, and it may be difficult for people to evaluate them. "But having one centre with reliable information and advice will be helpful, and it can also be a focus for a range of educational programmes, for the community generally and for schools." Such a centre would not only serve Kilcullen, but could be a focus for climate action across mid-Kildare.

Cllr O'Dwyer's proposition is based on the fact that there's going to be significant funding available under the Government's plans for climate action. This makes it a viable proposition for the local authority to pursue, 'if the Council goes down this road, and they and the bank engage'. "There is funding coming for climate action. But if we're not ready for it in Kilcullen, we won't get it."

Having a Climate Action Office in Kilcullen would also encourage developers to take sustainability into account when designing their Kilcullen projects, Cllr O'Dwyer says. "If we have an environmental and sustainability office here, they would be inclined to feel that they have to come on board in environmental terms."

The proposal is in play. "It may come to nothing, but if we don't ask for it, we won't get it," Cllr O'Dwyer says, banking on the fact that Kilcullen's tradition of being pro-active will again make things happen.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy