🔧 Retrofit Ready on Tour: Castleblayney & Virginia Agricultural Shows

Ireland’s national Retrofit Ready programme, in partnership with community-led champions such as Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), is hitting the road this August to support sustainable retrofitting across rural Ireland.

Why Retrofit Ready Matters

• National climate goals & energy upgrades: Launched in May 2023, Retrofit Ready is funded by Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, administered by Pobal. It supports county-wide capacity-building sessions covering Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo and Leitrim.

• Community empowerment: The programme focuses on practical training, community workshops, and peer‐learning, enabling homeowners to navigate SEAI retrofit grants and technical options with confidence.

• CCLD’s regional leadership: Cavan County Local Development has been actively representing Cavan in Retrofit Ready. Owen McConnon recently highlighted Cavan’s progress at a national showcase in Dublin. His presentation emphasised community engagement and early outcomes from local pilot projects.

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📅 Upcoming Events: See You at the Shows!

1. Castleblayney Show

   • Date: Bank Holiday Monday, 4 August 2025

   • Location: Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

   • Who’s there: The Retrofit Ready team alongside Monaghan Integrated Development

   • What to expect: A vibrant stall where homeowners and community leaders can speak with Retrofit Champions, grab informational materials, and get pointers on accessing SEAI grants and finding qualified contractors.

     

2. Virginia Agricultural Show

   • Date: Wednesday, 20 August 2025

   • Location: Virginia, Co. Cavan

   • What to expect: Another opportunity to meet Retrofit Ready’s Community Retrofit Champions, learn about upcoming workshops, and discover how retrofitting can reduce energy costs while increasing home value.

What You’ll Gain

Attendees at these shows can expect:

• Friendly, no-obligation guidance on retrofit grants and technical support

• Access to local Retrofit Champions like Owen McConnon (Cavan/Monaghan) and Luke Tarmey (Sligo/Leitrim).

• Advice on sustainable financing options, including green loans and mortgages

• Insights into what retrofitting entails—from insulation and heat-pump basics to contractor selection

Learn More & Get Involved

• Drop by the Retrofit Ready stand on 4 Aug (Castleblayney Show) or 20 Aug (Virginia Show) to chat with the team.

• Follow CCLD updates—they’re leading regional outreach and often post success stories and info sessions retrofit-ready.

• Visit the national Retrofit Ready website for deeper resources and to connect with Community Retrofit Champions across the project area.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or community leader in Cavan or Monaghan, these show-based meet-ups offer a great chance to start your retrofit journey. From accessing funding to boosting home comfort and value, Retrofit Ready delivers accessible, community-backed support—and they’ll be on hand at both events this August.

Make sure to pay them a visit—your future home (and the planet) will thank you!