Age Friendly pilot project for Cork city launched

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.
Age Friendly pilot project for Cork city launched

FREE PIC - NO REPRO FEE - April 7, 2025 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 new EnergyCloud pilot project in Cork city has been launched by Jerry Buttimer, minister of state for charities, gaeltacht and the islands, and rural transport.

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.

Mr Buttimer said that over 40 devices have been installed for older people across the city already, saying: “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.”

Valerie O’Sullivan, the council’s chief executive, said that they are working across directorates on this project, which connects new technologies with the aims of the Climate Action Plan.

Lord Mayor councillor Dan Boyle welcomed the pilot, saying: “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.”

The project was also welcomed by Age Friendly ambassador for Cork city, John Mullins, who 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.”

The programme marks EneryCloud’s first project in Cork city, their first project aimed solely at over 65s and will also see them deliver their first installations in privately owned homes.

At the launch event, Mr 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.

Read More

MTU celebrates culture of Irish Travellers

More in this section

Man, 30s, taken to hospital following alleged late-night assault in Cork city Man, 30s, taken to hospital following alleged late-night assault in Cork city
Five years on, damaged wall at site of fatal crash in West Cork is still not repaired, councillors told Five years on, damaged wall at site of fatal crash in West Cork is still not repaired, councillors told
Annual Fianna Fail Wolfe Tone Commemoration Taoiseach: 'Offensive and just wrong' that anyone would use Irish flag as instrument of exclusion

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more