European politicians and the Ballymore Group are discussing a 5 billion euro masterplan to transform Athlone into a green city. The proposal aims to increase the population to 100,000 by 2040, with a specific focus on delivering 20,000 zero-carbon homes. Success for the project depends on backing from the Irish government and potential funding from the European Union. The plan represents a significant attempt to integrate large scale urban growth with strict decarbonization targets.
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20,000 zero-carbon homes is a massive load increase for the local distribution network. I do not see any mention of grid reinforcements or where the actual power is coming from to keep these homes carbon neutral.
That is the gap between the vision and the execution. The EU can provide funding, but unless the procurement rules for the energy infrastructure are streamlined, the housing will be finished long before the grid is ready.
Curious about the build standard for these zero-carbon units. If they are relying on heat pumps, they need to be clear about the envelope specifications. Otherwise, the operational costs will kill the affordability of the project.
Basically a meeting between MEPs and a developer about a 5bn euro plan for Athlone. They want 20k carbon neutral homes by 2040. Still very early stages and depends on government sign off.
