This week, Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport launched a new EnergyCloud pilot project in Cork City.

Pictured celebrating the launch of an innovative and impactful pilot project for Cork City. This pilot initiative between Cork City Council and EnergyCloud Ireland will bring free hot water, using surplus wind energy, to some older people living in Cork City.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
A collaboration between not-for-profit EnergyCloud Ireland, Cork City Council and the Cork Age Friendly City programme, the project will enable older people in Cork to receive free tanks of hot water via the EnergyCloud Ireland smart device. The device, which is installed on the immersion tank and powered through Wi-Fi or a sim card, uses surplus renewable energy to power the immersion heater. Over 40 devices have been installed for older people across the city.

Pic: Brian Lougheed
Commenting on the launch, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer said: “I support this initiative fully. I think it’s an excellent example of what can happen when public bodies, the private sector, and community organisations all pull in the same direction.”
Lord Mayor Cllr. Dan Boyle said: “This innovative project matches local, national and global goals. By using surplus renewable energy and smart technology to help older people across the city who may be at risk of energy poverty, this pilot will reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.”
Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council said: “Cork City Council is working across directorates on this innovative pilot which connects new technologies with the aims of our Climate Action Plan. The pilot aligns with Cork City Council’s goals in supporting all Corkonians as we move towards a climate neutral economy.”
Age Friendly Ambassador for Cork City, John Mullins, said: “This collaboration between Cork City Council and EnergyCloud Ireland highlights Cork City Age Friendly Programme’s continued commitment to making Cork a great place to grow old. This pilot supports the use of innovative technology solutions that are simple to use, delivering practical benefits and a significant social impact for older people in Cork.”

From left: John Mullins, Cork City Age Friendly Ambassador; Alan Wyley, CEO, EnergyCloud Ireland; Noreen Heffernan and Philomena Foley; Siubhán McCarthy; Age Friendly co-ordinator; Cllr. Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork; Nora O’Donovan; Rebecca Loughrey, Director of Service, Corporate and Community Affairs; Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and at the Department of Transport; Bernadette Moriarty and Martin Davoren, Cork City Council pictured celebrating the launch of an innovative and impactful pilot project for Cork City. This pilot initiative between Cork City Council and EnergyCloud Ireland will bring free hot water, using surplus wind energy, to some older people living in Cork City.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud Ireland added: “EnergyCloud is delighted to be launching this project with Age Friendly Ireland and Cork City Council. This project represents several important firsts for EnergyCloud. It is our first project in Cork City, our first project aimed solely at over 65’s and will also deliver our first installations in privately owned homes.”
At the launch event, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer was joined by representatives from Cork City Council across the Community, Climate Action and Housing teams, representatives of Age Friendly Ireland, HSE and Age Friendly recipients of the first 20 EnergyCloud smart devices in Cork.