| Tipperary’s eco-village
Work began last week on Ireland’s first eco-village. The development,
in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary includes houses, apartments and community
facilities which will be powered by local sources.
Most of the homes will be south-facing to take advantage of solar energy
for heating water. And much of the water itself will be sourced from harvested
rainwater a first for Irish housing.
According to Johnny Connolly of Sustainable Projects Ireland all play
areas will be eco-friendly.
He said: “There’ll be play areas for children. We’ll
be building using ecologically sustainable materials, setting up an energy
system and a water treatment system.
“It’s a unique development in Ireland and we hope this will
become a model for sustainable developments into the future.”
Thurles-based Clancy Construction is carrying out the engineering works
on the 67-acre farm. Once the infrastructure is complete the building
phase begins. Houses, some of which include a workspace, as well as apartments
and community buildings will be constructed to the highest ecological
standards.
After the sod-turning on the land last week’s World Earth Day celebrations
continued with a presentation by members about the project and its developments,
including the available sites and plans for the agricultural and wildlife
areas of the land. |
