‘Energising Clare’ conference, to focus on growing renewable energy sector
Ennis Chamber, together with Wind Energy Ireland will co-host the inaugural ‘Energising Clare’ conference on the morning of Friday, February 14, at Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare. The conference will bring together a large and wide ranging group of stakeholders to network, discuss and learn about the future of renewable energy in County Clare.
Programme
09:15: Registration/ Networking/tea/coffee/light breakfast
09.45: Welcome by Sheila Lynch, President Ennis Chamber
09:50: Presentation by Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State, at the Department of Agriculture, Food Fisheries and the Marine – outlining government policy and objectives re: renewable energy. Followed by Q & A
10:15 Presentation by Noel Cunniffe, CEO, Wind Energy Ireland. Followed by Q & A
10:45: Networking break (Refreshments)
11:05: Introduction to panellists, by panel moderator Noel Cunniffe. Our panellists are: Carmel Kirby, Interim CEO Clare County Council; Mary Lynch, Delivery Director, FuturEnergy Ireland; Stevie O’Mahoney, Station Manager, ESB Moneypoint and Renewable Energy Consultant Laura Stakelum .
Following the panel discussion delegates are invited to participate in a Q & A session.
Speakers at this conference will:
- Track the development/progress of renewable energy in County Clare
- Discuss the challenges, potential barriers and the significant opportunities that lie ahead for County Clare to confirm its status as a key provider of renewable energy, as Ireland progresses towards a secure and sustainable energy future
- Address, wind, solar and biomass energies, while also looking forward to future development of offshore wind and wave energy
Delegates
We consciously sought to bring together a wide-ranging group of stakeholders, from developers (national and local), decision makers, elected members, supply chain businesses operating locally in the renewable energy sector, investors, educators, specialist professional services and community groups.
Event Details:
Venue: Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 HOXK (*overnight delegate rate available)
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 09:15 Registration and Networking (with light breakfast/refreshments)
*This conference will end approx. 12 pm
For further information Email: info@ennischamber.ie
Energising Clare – Meet our Speakers
Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food Fisheries and the Marine
Timmy Dooley is a Fianna Fáil TD for Clare, who, in January 2025 was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for the Marine.
In 2020, Timmy was appointed to the 26th Seanad and served as the Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson for Climate Action, Communication Networks & Transport until 2024. He was previously a TD from 2007 to 2020 and served as spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport up to 2016 when he moved on to Climate Action and Communications. Timmy was also in the Seanad from 2002 to 2007 when he was elected on the Administration Panel.
In addition to his role in national politics, Timmy is very active in the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and was a Vice President of the party from 2021-2024.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland
Wind Energy Ireland, the country’s largest renewable energy association, works with a wide range of stakeholders to build understanding and awareness of the benefits of wind and renewable energy. Prior to becoming CEO, Noel led Wind Energy Ireland’s Policy department in driving policy development across all aspects of the onshore and offshore renewable industry in Ireland.
Previously, Noel was the Renewable Integration Lead in EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator of Ireland, and worked across several departments including electricity grid planning and operation, and the design of the electricity market of Ireland. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineer’s Ireland.
Dr. Carmel Kirby, Interim CEO, Clare County Council
Appointed to the role of Interim CEO, towards the end of 2024, Carmel previously served as Director of Economic Development and Ennis Municipal District, at Clare County Council, with responsibility for the broad economic development of County Clare. The directorate delivers planning, economic development, local enterprise office and related support services of the council across County Clare.
Stevie O’Mahoney, Station Manager, Moneypoint Generating Station
Senior manager within ESB’s electricity generation and trading division. Appointed Station Manager at Moneypoint Generating Station in 2021, Stevie had previously served there as Engineering Manager and Maintenance Manager, following a number of years at other locations, where he managed the refurbishment of ESB’s hydro stations.
A native of Doonbeg, Stevie’s role as Station Manager sees him manage the transition away from solid fuel, onto lower carbon fuels, and ultimately towards the redevelopment of Moneypoint as a renewable energy hub.
As ESB relentlessly pursues its Net Zero 2040 Strategy, the generation output from Moneypoint station serves to provide security of supply for Ireland. For decades, Moneypoint station has underpinned Ireland’s electricity system, supported local industry and provided employment. ESB’s current strategy will see this continue for decades to come.
Mary Lynch, Delivery Director, FuturEnergy Ireland
A chartered civil engineer, Mary initially worked on major construction projects in Ireland and the UK. For the past 15 years, she has been leading renewable energy projects through all stages of development, including financing and construction. She has recently been appointed Delivery Director at FuturEnergy Ireland, where she now brings her wealth of experience to leading the commercialisation of the project portfolio, post planning grant to the operations phase.
Laura Stakelum, MD Stakelum Consultancy
Founded in 2021, Stakelum Consultancy provides board support and commercial finance advice to renewable energy projects, including wind and solar farms. Her expertise includes business plan creation, strategic analysis, feasibility studies, and due diligence.
