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The Irish Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm an Irish electrician – here's my little-known tips to help reduce bills by hundreds & way to get FREE energy
WITH energy bills often being a top expense for Irish households, it may seem like there's not much you can do to save money. But one electrician has shared his top tips for lowering your energy bills by hundreds of euro each year that many might not be aware of. 3 Dan O'Shea is Screwfix's Trade Apprentice winner for 2025 Credit: Journalist Collect 3 And he shared all of his tips to reduce energy costs in the home Credit: Journalist Collect Dan O'Shea is a 20-year-old electrician from Raised in Newtowncashel, Dan gained his skills working alongside his father Enda in His journey into becoming an electrician began after leaving his studies in agricultural science at UCD to pursue an apprenticeship. Dan said: 'My parents always told me to do well in school so I did and I studied hard and got into UCD for agricultural science. READ MORE IN MONEY 'Within two weeks I dropped out. I was always surrounded by trades and working with my uncle and my dad so I decided to do an apprenticeship with FWhite electrical.' Now the youngest winner of 2025's Screwfix's trade apprentice, this promising electrician has shared all of his tips to lower energy costs in the One of Dan's first recommendations is to replace all fluorescent and conventional light bulbs with LED lighting due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. LED lights consume up to 80 per cent less electricity than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, and Dan says this can lead to major savings on household MOST READ IN MONEY Dan said: 'In many households there is old lighting, fluorescent tubes, fluorescent bulbs but nowadays we have LED lights. 'These are great - they have a longer shelf life, it's usually better lighting, it can be controlled from your phone and they are far handier on electricity costs.' From TV to energy... tips to save you money on 7 bills that are going up in April Another tip Dan has is to switch off electrical appliances completely when they are not in use, as many devices continue to draw power and inflate energy costs. Small habits, such as frequently turning lights on and off or repeatedly using appliances like toasters and kettles unnecessarily, can see a major increase in electricity consumption. Everyday habits And to help homeowners monitor their usage, Dan advises installing an Smart meters allow users to see which appliances are the most energy-intensive and adjust their habits accordingly, making energy savings more achievable. What's more, he said that there may be Dan said: 'There are ESB smart meters and that allows you to track your energy usage. 'I've talked to a lot of people about them and it helps them to see what they're spending their energy on - if you're able to keep track of your energy usage and amend it over the long run that is how you will save money.' Another tip Dan has is scheduling energy-heavy appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, to run during off-peak hours at night. Running these appliances at night not only reduces energy costs but also eases demand on the national grid during peak daytime hours. 'Save thousands on your electricity bills' And beyond everyday energy-saving habits, Dan believes that investing in solar panels is the single most effective way for Irish homeowners to reduce their energy costs. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into usable electricity, which can then power household appliances. They can significantly decrease electricity bills by generating free, renewable energy and in some cases, surplus energy can be sold back to the grid. And Dan said while it may take 3/4 years to start seeing your return on your He added: "The biggest one is solar panels - within four years they pay for themselves and it is pretty much free electricity from then on. 'It's gone crazy across Ireland and the majority of new homes are being built with them or installing them. 'You get your money back within a couple of years and then you save thousands on your electricity bills going forward.' 3 Dan believes solar panels are the best way to reduce your energy costs Credit: Journalist Collect
The Irish Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
The ‘charming' two-bedroom home on Irish market for €175k and it comes with major perks
A "CHARMING" two-bedroom home has just hit the Irish market for €175,000 - and it comes with major perks. This bargain property is located in Portlaw, Advertisement 6 The home is located in Portlaw, Co Waterford Credit: Estate Agents Collect 6 And it is now on the Irish market for €175,000 Credit: Estate Agents Collect 6 It comes with a spacious living room Credit: Estate Agents Collect 6 The pad also has a bright kitchen Credit: Estate Agents Collect This mid terrace Recently undergone a rear extension, it would make a fantastic home for first time buyers - and it is now available for viewings. The house listing reads: "Located in the heart of Portlaw village, this well-maintained 2-bedroom terraced house offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and contemporary living. "The property has recently undergone a rear extension, introducing a spacious kitchen/dining area fitted with new kitchen units, ideal for modern family life." Advertisement READ MORE IN MONEY It includes a substantial modern kitchen with access to the rear garden and is perfect for This stunning kitchen has wooden flooring and is fully fitted with grey cabinets, an oven, and a dishwasher. Double-glazed windows located around the kitchen and dining area allow plenty of natural light to enter the house. The family home is in an excellent location, with cafes, Advertisement MOST READ IN MONEY Along with being located in Portlaw village, Cork city and Waterford city are each within an hours drive from this fabulous property. The area also includes a choice of primary and secondary schools, perfect for Inside three bed family home on Irish market for €170k on 'generous site,' in 'desirable location' Located in a sought-after residential area, the family home extends to 96 metres and has a spacious back garden. What's more, the home is equipped with a newly installed oil-fired central heating system, ensuring comfort throughout the year. Advertisement When entering the home, viewers are greeted by a fabulous hallway with tiled flooring. A This comfortable area is filled with natural light and space, creating a cosy atmosphere. There is one bathroom in this family home; and it comes with wooden flooring and includes a shower, wash hand basin and toilet. Advertisement First-floor offerings Moving upstairs, there is a spacious and modern landing. On the The second bedroom is spacious and features views overlooking the garden, along with wooden flooring and wardrobes, and could fit a king-size bed. The back garden is another major bonus to buying this property. Advertisement Along with featuring a storage shed, it comes with ample amounts of space and light. The property is listed by Brophy Cusack and on 6 The property is a two-bedroom home Credit: Estate Agents Collect 6 It comes with a large rear garden Credit: Estate Agents Collect Advertisement
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
My Job: The partnerships powering Cork growing food festival
MY JOB Name: Niamh Murphy Occupation: Festival manager, Cork On A Fork Fest and MD of ETC the Events Tourism and Communications Agency Background: A Cork City Council festival run in partnership with Cork hospitality businesses and producers, the festival includes chef demos, workshops, farm visits, market tours and talks by artisan producers. Cork has long been a 'farm-to-fork' destination, leading the modern Irish speciality food movement for decades through a thriving network of artisan producers, supplying the iconic English Market and the restaurants that are a hallmark of the city's vibrant food scene. Cork On A Fork Fest, taking place August 13-17, is now firmly established as an economic driver for the city, bringing direct and indirect benefits to the hospitality and tourism sectors. Estimates indicate the festival generates hundreds of thousands of euros in spend through events, accommodation, dining, and shopping. Last year, 7,500 tickets were sold for various events, and the festival has seen a steadily increasing number of overseas visitors attending. 'What began in 2022 as a small pilot to support post-covid recovery in the hospitality and tourism sectors, and showcase the newly-pedestrianised streets and nighttime economy, has quickly evolved into a key fixture on the national food festival calendar,' explains Niamh Murphy. The Long Table on MacCurtain Street in Cork's Victorian Quarter was a shared dining event for 400 people which marked the start of the five day long Cork on a Fork food festival. 'The enthusiasm from the public has been immense, and the festival's reach continues to grow each year — both in terms of the number of events and its appeal to wider audiences, including international visitors. We've gone from 30 events in the first year to over 100 planned for 2025, and the feedback shows that people are hungry for unique experiences.' A city-wide, multi-day food festival involves extensive coordination across venues, suppliers, producers, sponsors, and stakeholders. The need to ensure quality and consistency across more than 100 events runs in tandem with considerations around accessibility, sustainability, affordability, and variety. 'Weather is always a wildcard in Ireland, especially for outdoor events, so flexibility is also key. Aligning the schedules of busy chefs, producers, and partners while delivering a diverse and cohesive programme takes months of behind-the-scenes planning.' The festival is a Cork City Council event managed by tourism officer Elmarie McCarthy and her team who partner with Niamh on the delivery and promotion of the festival. 'Like any growing festival, we could always do with more sponsors. Demand and ambition grow every year, so additional funding would help us expand further.' Niamh adds that partnerships are central to the success of the festival: 'This is a truly collaborative celebration of Cork's food culture, and it simply wouldn't be possible without the passion, creativity, and commitment of our local chefs, restaurants, producers, hoteliers, and tourism stakeholders. The festival thrives on the strong relationships between those who drive Cork's dynamic food scene — this fork-to-plate connection is at the heart of everything we do. 'There's incredible camaraderie, a real buzz in the air, and a shared pride in showcasing what Cork has to offer as the country's best region for food. As organisers, we see ourselves as facilitators — the programme is very much shaped by the food industry itself.' While the festival is a Cork City Council initiative, the support of key strategic partners including Fáilte Ireland, Pure Cork, Cork Airport, IHF Cork, Cork Business Association, the Irish Examiner, and RedFM help amplify the message and ensure the festival's long-term sustainability. Cork's historic food status been central in promoting the festival internationally. 'Cork's identity as a food destination dates back centuries. From its history as a 10th-century trading port to its current status as home to over 60% of Ireland's artisan producers, the city's food credentials are deep and genuine.' This authenticity resonates strongly with international audiences who are looking for immersive and meaningful travel experiences, she adds. 'Cork on a Fork provides a platform to showcase that story, from Atlantic seafood to spiced beef, artisan cheeses to tripe and drisheen. We're also actively working with Fáilte Ireland on a Food in Tourism plan and this event will be critical in their aim to position Cork as a Unesco World Region of Gastronomy. In an uncertain global climate, people are looking for experiences closer to home that are rich in culture and community. 'Cork on a Fork provides just that — a celebration of place, people, and produce. It draws overseas visitors, but it's just as much about locals reconnecting with their city in new ways and supporting local producers and restaurants. The programme is designed to be inclusive, with free events, family activities, and neighbourhood-based experiences that invite everyone to participate, regardless of background or budget.' In a crowded schedule where culture and music events across the country compete for potential audiences, the need for annual innovation is key. 'One of the festival's strengths is its evolving programme. While some much-loved events return annually, there is always space for new ideas — whether it's rooftop culinary tours, meet the producer experiences, immersive foraging walks, chef collaborations, or multi-cultural tastings. People love something new so every year we want to bring new experiences that reflect Cork's dynamic food scene and cultural diversity. This year we're seeing even more events focused on sustainability, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes access.' Always learning and looking outward while staying rooted in Cork's unique identity is the driver of Cork On A Fork success. 'International food festivals — from Waterford to Copenhagen — offer inspiration in terms of structure, innovation, and visitor experience. But what sets Cork On A Fork apart is the authenticity and accessibility of our food here,' she says. 'It's not about copying, it's about bringing the best ideas home and interpreting them through a Cork lens. The collaborative energy in this city makes it possible to deliver something very special.' The festival creates a platform to highlight Cork's rich culinary diversity, from long-standing family-run businesses to new international food influences — bringing together different cultures, spotlighting emerging food trends, and celebrating the chefs and restaurateurs keeping Cork's food scene innovative and inclusive. Events such as the VQ Shared Table on MacCurtain St count as one of the festival's more notable attractions. It is added to by the city's status as a walkable environment and buzzing centre — another factor underpinning its appeal for festival-goers. 'You can stroll from a cooking demo to a pop-up feast, explore the English Market, join a food trail, and finish your evening with live music and late-night bites - all within a short distance. This ease of movement enhances the experience and makes it perfect for immersive, multi-stop itineraries. It's also great for sustainability and creates a more vibrant, animated city centre.'
