Quentin Gargan on Energy in West Cork

[CORRIGEEN71]

hi quinten a navan man here ! anyway could you send me some info on the van ie suppliers in ireland for electric vechicles tks

[emphaticapathy]

My last name is Gargan...my dad's from Kells.

[quentingargan]

Yes - I think the Gargans were heugenots that came from France. Many of them settled around Mullingar and other parts of Meath.

[diarmaidizonutube]

When I am older I am going to vote the Green party to save the Environment. 5 Stars.

[jpkm123]

Nice video Quentin

3 questions for you

1. I was on a plane to Cork a few years back and was chatting to an engineer sitting next to me who was describing his work on a tidal power station at Mizen head. Do you know if that's still going?

2. As regards the windmills on Cape Clear - were they ever replaced and/or are there plans to do so?

3. What are your views on geothermal energy/heating?

Thanks

[quentingargan]

1) I don't know of any tidal project off Mizen, but a company based in Cork is proceeding with trials in Galway

2) Those turbines are out of commission now. No support from ESB I believe.

3) Geothermal only makes sense if you use off-peak electricity and have a large enough buffer tank to do so. I prefer other options like log gassification, but geothermal may be the best that can be done in urban areas.

[XXYIreland]

Your right Quentin.

[erangey11]

Irishman on board and i can not get any politican/ Public represantive to come and welcome us to port and do a photo shoot and support us or even get the media but when you see the boat you will have to see get on. I have been emailing people for the last 8 months and not one reply. Shocking...check our site get involved and take a spin on her from Cork to Dublin and get the green party to welcome us in Dublin it will be great fun.Adrian hope to hear from any other green fans too!!

[quentingargan]

Sorry - I still don't have broadband at home so just got your message. Have googled you and responded to you by email. Interesting project, though I always have to add the caveat that I think biofuels only have a limited role until we develop biofuel from cellulose, and even then it shouldn't be used to fool us into thinking we can enjoy business as usual. But this is a great pioneering project and I wish you luck. Other readers go google 'em.

[erangey11]

Hi, excelent pitch. well done glad to see politics get on you tube. I agree with everything you say! hope the election went well. i would like to invite you to my little world of bio-fuel called earthrace, google it. we are racing around the world promoting the alternative fuels in an 80ft boat.We also attempted a world record but called it off till next march, she will be in Cork early july!! I am the only

[quentingargan]

Hi Gusmacoz,

There is a bit more info on the house at our home website on ardnashee dot com

Thanks for the comments. Just put a stairway up to the roof - lovely spot to sit out, if only I had the time....

All the best, Quentin.

[gusmacoz]

brilliant! i like your green roof Quentin - i bet it cools the house in summer (through shade and evaporation) and keeps the warmth in winter (by insulation). Cheers to one planet living!

[quentingargan]

Hi Trisha & Michael,

Thanks for the kind comments. 2860 peope voted Green this time - 6.7% of the first preference votes, but not enough to get a seat by a long shot. Unfortunately all the small parties got squeezed out in the last two days. But we'll be back....

[michaelnwankwo]

good on ya quentin vote green

[trishawisha24]

Well I voted for you, hard luck, hope this wont deter you from all your good work!

[quentingargan]

Hi Yellowlabrador,

Yep - thats what we have, an old-fashioned range and a solar panel. We get our heat with about two hours of chainsawing each year. Some council tenants have asked for wood pellet stoves as an alternative (I'm no great fan of these, but they suit some folks). I understand the council may review the oil-fired option if requested to. Its worth trying. Quentin

[AodhODuinn]

How much do the wind generators cost(including instalation)? How much electricty do they produce? Do u also get electricity from the ESB as backup?

[quentingargan]

Hi Aodh

The machine we have here is a "Proven" downwind machine made in Scotland. The installed price is about €23,000 for 2.5KW.

We are putting in a second machine which will be grid connected and plan to run the electric car and farm buildings.

We are getting our next machine from Airoption in Clonmel. They are importing Indian machines and have plans to assemble and construct their own machines. Airoption dot com for more info.

Q

[quentingargan]

Oops. Forgot to answer second question. Yes, we do get ESB as backup, especially for outbuildings where we keep three freezers for beef/lamb. We would switch it on if the batteries get low as happens occasionally

[AodhODuinn]

Thanks Quentin, keep up the good fight, we need more long term thinkers to replace the reactive politics.

[yellowlabrador]

The council wants to install oilfired central heating into the council houses here in Dunmanway. I'd rather solar panels, and an old fashioned range in the sitting room.

[oreosrgreat666]

quentin, i agree .... VOTE GREEN!