Earth Hour is still fixed for Sat March 28th at 20.30 (or half past eight at night if you're in old money). It is hoped that as many people as possible will log-on to www.earthour.org and follow the irish government's example in supporting this global initiative.

There are two sound economical arguments for doing this. Both of which benefit YOU personally !

First, you save money by switching off everything you can, and then noticing you might just leave it off in future as well !

Second, any publicity which Kinsale gets for showing that it cares about the environment, and turning those fine words into action, brings more visitors to the town which helps us support local jobs.

If you are a school or business or community group, why not download and print off some stickers or posters for your customers/staff/member/students ?

So, save, save, save on March 28th. Save money, save the local economy, and go out and savour the local talent in a candlelit bar somewhere ! 

Earth Hour is 2030 Sat Mar 28th. It is a moment when millions around the world turn off the lights to remind ourselves of how much we take for granted and how much more we could do to make the world a more sustainable place for the future.

Kinsale has the chance to...

Kinsale & District Community Power Down

Power down, for Earth's Sake

Powerdown Exhibition at the Spring Fair 2009

Share your Powerdown story - let us know how you have saved on your energy bill in your home or business.  Have you or your business made any new year's resolution to save energy? Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - to share your stories, pictures, ideas.

The Kinsale Community Power Down is about engaging the community in energy reduction in their homes and businesses.  It was launched at the TTK/ Tidy Towns Spring Fair in 2008 by Trevor Sargent TD, Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Kathy Sinnott (MEP) and Mayor Mary Evans also attended. Tricia Kenny form Carbon Action Ireland gave a short presentation after the launch - "Carbon Footprint for Dummies".

Nearly 100 individuals have signed up already to make some change in how they use energy. A smaller group are measuring their carbon footprint and Jola's restaurant is the first business to show us how they reduced their energy bill by 60% - they received our ‘Smiley' Energy Award in 2008.

How can you get involved?

A set of Targets are available as a starting point. Flyers outlining these ideas have been made available in the Community. Sign up and you will be entered into a draw in 2009. TTK hope that each participant will actively encourage others to get involved so that the Power Down will become a community effort.

Transition Town Kinsale will collate what the community - both householders and local businesses- is doing to save energy and reduce emissions.

Powerdown Evening 18^th September 2008 at The Trident Hotel

The Powerdown Evening focussed on how each of us can save money while reducing our carbon footprint. Aodhan MacPhaidin (Power-of-One) and Mike Holden (GAP program) made inspiring and informative presentations which were followed by plenty of interesting questions from the floor. Alex Grassick form the Cork Energy Agency chaired the panel which Dave Simpson also joined.   Councillor Kevin Murphy informed us that a grant scheme will be available next year for everyone to improve the energy efficiency of their homes

Key tips!

• biggest use of energy is heating your home or business and water heating - so look at your settings - the thermostat and the timer
• insulate - insulate - insulate
• Consider blocking up your fireplace when it is not in use!

What else will be doing?

March 7- relooking at Kinsale's Energy Descent Plan

The aim of this event is for Transition Town Kinsale to re-engage with members of the community and encourage participation in projects that will both increase the resilience and self-reliance of the community and help reduce its environmental impact.

Spring Fair -25 April

Workshops and Eco-Market on your doorstep

Energy Audits

With sufficient funding we may do detailed energy audits on some key buildings in t own e.g. hotel, school, shop etc.

The Powerdown Targets Download then from the pdf below: