Island facts
Lying 12km off north Donegal, Toraigh (Tory Island) is the most remote of Ireland’s inhabited islands, with enduring local traditions, unique historical sites and rare bird life. Tory Island has 105 houses. 55 of which are occupied all year round and the remaining 50 are holiday homes, which are used on average about six months of the year.
Toraigh aims to achieve sustainability and energy conservation as a result of our participation in the 30 for 2023 call by the Clean energy for EU islands secretariat. The recent ‘energy crisis’ has people focusing on how best to conserve energy and reduce costs. Reducing energy consumption is only one aspect, however, trying to reduce costs is another issue entirely. This can be achieved if you are in a position to generate your own energy.
Energy Supply on Tory Island (ESB)
The existing energy service is provided through two diesel generators which are located on the West End of the Island. This service burns on average 140,000 l of fuel each year. Each lorry load of fuel must be taken onto the Island by a heavy cargo boat which carries on average 12,000 l on each load which means there is additional transport costs involved which amounts to €25,000 each year.
Ferry & Cargo Service
The Ferry that operates from Magheroarty Pier – Tory three times daily from September – May and four times daily from June – August uses on average 130,000ltrs of fuel each year. The Tory Island cargo boat uses on average 21,000ltrs of fuel each year.
Challenges:
One of our main challenges on Tory is the dependence on polluting fuels for heating and transportation. the island relies on local diesel-powered generators. Once there is a fault with the generators, it means that at times, the island's population will have to wait on the ESB crew to come onto the Island, which can be challenging, especially in the Winter months. Last year, the island had to get the Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter to bring the crew on and off the island. Tory is the most remote of Ireland’s inhabited islands and that is certainly challenging, especially in winter.
ESB Networks supply the homes and businesses on Tory with energy from two diesel generators.
Aims in the 30 islands by 2030 initiative:
1. Convert Tory's energy supply to renewable energy i.e., Wind, Wave or Solar.
2. The islanders hope to introduce heat pumps and insulation grants to homes and businesses on the island.
3. A scheme for home and businesses to convert to renewable energy i.e., PV solar panels and windmills shall be introduced.
4. The Ferry and cargo service should be changed to run by battery operated engines using clean energy.
By realising the goals above, blackouts on the island would be less likely. It would be more cost effective for all islanders and environmentally friendly for Tory.
Please note that Tory island has applied jointly with Arranmore | Clean energy for EU islands (europa.eu)