ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 63 Industry News Schools encouraged to apply for Solar for Schools Programme The Irish government is urging schools nationwide to take advantage of the Solar for Schools Programme, with applications open until Friday, 7 March. Ministers Helen McEntee (Education) and Darragh O’Brien (Environment, Climate, and Communications) have highlighted the initiative’s benefits, including reduced electricity costs and lower carbon emissions. The programme, now available to all eligible schools, provides a 6-kilowatt peak (around 14 panels) of roof-mounted solar PV, helping institutions cut energy expenses and gain real-time data on consumption. Minister McEntee emphasised the visible impact of the scheme: “Schools across the country are already benefitting from solar panels on their rooftops. This initiative supports schools in reducing energy costs while fostering sustainability awareness among students. The extended deadline provides another opportunity for more schools to join.” Minister O’Brien added: “The expansion of this programme, supported by the Climate Action Fund, builds on a successful pilot phase. We are committed to helping schools transition to renewable energy and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.” Since the programme’s launch in November 2023, over 3,290 schools have been approved for solar panel installation, with more than 1,040 completed. In this second and final phase, 757 additional schools have already secured funding. Schools interested in applying can find more details by contacting schoolspvprogramme@ education.gov.ie Suir Engineering Ltd., one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering services providers, has announced the acquisition of Taylor & Fraser, a leading mechanical & electrical engineering business operating in Scotland for more than 100 years. The news follows the recent launch of Suir Engineering’s first UK offices in London and Manchester as it expands its operations, and customer base, in the UK market. With a strengthened local presence, Suir Engineering is improving its ability to serve clients in the UK, capitalising on new business opportunities and bolstering its position in the competitive engineering sector. Taylor & Fraser, headquartered in Paisley, has been operating as a family-run business for 114 years, providing mechanical & electrical engineering and construction services across a wide range public and private businesses and organisations. “The acquisition of Taylor & Fraser is part of our ambitious growth strategy,” said John Kelly, CEO of Suir Engineering. “The team brings with it a wealth of mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) expertise, and an outstanding legacy built over three generations of this highly regarded family business. “The acquisition strengthens our presence in Scotland and across the UK, allowing us to build on established local market relationships while providing a platform for future growth. We now have a UK presence at three key locations and have further plans for expansion in line with the multi-billion pound market demand that we are seeing in our sector. “ Like Suir Engineering, Taylor & Fraser has an outstanding reputation for its M&E standards and highly skilled workforce, and the acquisition makes Suir Engineering well-placed as one of the few Irish engineering contractors with a Scottish entity. Taylor & Fraser will become a Suir Engineering company but will continue to operate under its existing name. There will be no impact on the 180 employees. Suir Engineering Announces Acquisition of Leading UK Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Firm, Taylor & Fraser Acquisition provides platform for UK expansion.
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