A national conference and exhibition focusing on road safety was held at the Gleneagle Arena on Wednesday and Thursday of this week

The two-day event, titled ‘Safer Roads’, was hosted by Kerry County Council in association with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and brought together over 300 delegates from across the roads sector and road safety profession.

Throughout the event, twenty-eight keynote speakers addressed the assembly, supplemented by four panel discussions involving leading road safety experts.

The discussions covered a broad range of critical topics, including upcoming changes in speed limits, roads enforcement, the regulation of scooters and scramblers, and the role of digital technology in creating safer road environments.

The Safer Roads conference examined all aspects of road safety, including road design, engineering, enforcement, road killer behaviour, collision trends, technology, education, cycling, e-mobility, and active and sustainable travel.

The platform also served as the launch site for the national St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday road safety campaign, which was unveiled by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána during the proceedings.

Kerry County Council’s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh said: “The Safer Roads road safety conference provides a platform and forum to road safety professionals and stakeholders alike, to engage with each other, learn from each other, and to share knowledge and experience with one another, to broaden the knowledge and approach in helping to improve road safety and create safer roads for all road users of every mobility.”

Further information regarding the outcomes and presentations from the conference can be found at https://www.saferroads.ie.

A full energy retrofit at Scott’s Hotel will cut annual energy costs by more than a third, highlighting how hospitality businesses can benefit from available grant supports.

A showcase event at the hotel on Friday last heard how the project has significantly reduced carbon emissions while improving energy efficiency and the overall guest experience.

The project, delivered by Energywise Ireland under the SEAI Community Energy Grant (CEG) scheme, included a 162kW solar PV system, cavity and attic insulation, a hot water system upgrade and a new air conditioning system.

The renewable energy company said the retrofit has the potential to result in a 36% reduction in annual energy costs.

It’s also advising that companies and community groups can avail of grant amounts of between 30% and up to 50% for non-domestic buildings.

Berth Sheehy, CEO of Energywise Ireland said: “We were delighted to be asked to take on this project at Scott’s Hotel Killarney and we’re very pleased with the results. Hotels operate year-round with significant energy demands, so the impact of targeted measures can be substantial.

This project shows how businesses can reduce energy costs and emissions while making their operations more efficient.”



Managing Director at Scott’s Hotel Maurice O’Donoghue added: “Like many hospitality businesses, energy costs are a key consideration for us. We received sound, practical advice from Energywise Ireland and the results have exceeded our expectations. Not only have we reduced our energy use and running costs, but we’ve also improved comfort levels for guests throughout the hotel.”

The SEAI is encouraging other businesses across the country to explore available grant supports. Spokesperson Katerina Leromonahos said: “SEAI offers a range of supports to help businesses improve energy efficiency, from community-based projects to direct business grants.

These supports help businesses reduce energy use and lower running costs. We would encourage businesses to explore the options available and seek advice, including through registered One Stop Shops, to find the approach that best suits their needs.”


Founded in 2009, Energywise Ireland is a nationwide provider of energy services, specialising in renewable energy and retrofit solutions for domestic, commercial and agricultural clients. Its services include solar PV, heat pumps, EV charging systems and full energy upgrades, delivered through SEAI-supported programmes including its registered One Stop Shop.