Údarás na Gaeltacht welcoming the Retrofit Rig to An Cheathrú Rua as part of the Gaeltacht’s Green Week

16 April, 2026

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Údarás na Gaeltachta is announcing a comprehensive programme of green events for the people of Conamara as part of the projects An Ghaeltacht Glas and Seachtain Glas na Gaeltachta. The retrofit rig, an NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings) training rig, will be stationed in An Cheathrú Rua from the 27th of April to the 1st of May. For five days, a wide range of free events will be available to the general public; from energy clinics for businesses and homeowners, to special programmes for secondary school students, a free NZEB course, and information sessions on grants and new employment opportunities in the green sector.

This is a central part of the ongoing work on the Aran Islands Decarbonisation Zone and the broader decarbonisation programme of Galway County Council. The Aran Islands Energy Co-op (CFOAT) and Gníomhaireacht Fuinnimh an Iarthair (GFI) along with other stakeholders are working in partnership with Galway County Council to achieve the zone’s targets.

About the Retrofit Rig and the NZEB Course

The Retrofit Rig is a portable training unit from Mount Lucas that helps provide training on energy retrofitting and upgrading techniques to people all around the country. The NZEB Awareness Course is a one day course credited by City & Guilds that showcases the best ways to achieve an energy efficient building. The training is completely free and there is no need for prior experience. It is suitable for many people including builders, contractors, and anyone else interested in NZEB, retrofitting or energy upgrading.

Marion Ní Chadhain, Manager of Sustainability and Strategic Program in Údarás na Gaeltachta said:

“There are many opportunities in this industry from education and innovation to employment and co-partnership’s. We are really looking forward to the conversations we will have during this valuable week. This is an amazing opportunity for the people of Conamara to chat to industry experts and gain practical knowledge on retrofitting, energy grants, and new employment opportunities. This project highlights Údarás na Gaeltachta’s commitment in pioneering green enterprise and creating a sustainable future for Gaeltacht communities.”

The Rig will be officially launched on Monday the 27th of April, with plenty of events for all age groups taking place throughout the week. The Rig will be stationed in An Cheathrú Rua for the week with rooms will be in An Crompán for additional events and opportunities for discussion and conversation.

GRETB, the Credit Union and others will be available throughout the week providing information on apprenticeships and much more. The week of events includes:

  •  Energy Clinics for Businesses (SEAI) – NB: booking required
  •  Energy Clinics for Homeowners (SEAI/ GFI) ) – NB: booking required
  • NZEB Awareness course for contractors
    • Thursday 09:00-15:00 Free to complete, no prior experience necessary and accredited by City & Guilds – Register here
  • Energy Opportunities Discussion Session with the local development
  • NZEB Programme for Secondary School Students
  • Information Session on the Circular Economy
    • Wednesday 14:00-17:00
  • Information session with Colm MacEachmharcaigh, Coordinator of Vacant Houses in the Gaeltacht
    • Thursday 14:00-17:00
  •  Information on available grants and open discussion session
  • Warmer Homes Coffee Morning
    • Friday from 09.30-11