Bizstartup.ie - NewsRenewable energy farm opens in Clare

Now the former secondary-school teacher has opened the renewable energy centre Imecofarm (pronounced I’m-eco-farm) in IslandMcgrath, Clarecastle, Co Clare, which combines a working farm with nature walks, family play areas, a café and working models of wind, water and solar power. As well as this, the entrepreneurial Clare man, is also offering introductory courses and workshops on renewable energy and DIY, with topics covering everything from building your own wind turbine to rainwater harvesting.

Connors started his professional life as a teacher, teaching maths, technology and carpentry and then started up his own fitted-furniture business. However, as his interest in renewable energy grew and the recession kicked in, he decided to put everything into making his eco-farm a viable business.

“I wanted it to still be a working farm, but have loads to do for both families and for people interested in finding out more about renewable energy and DIY. I’m really focused on making every part of the farm as educational as possible,” says Connors.

“Our courses will be in specially equipped rooms with plenty of expert tools, displays and detailed drawings.”

With people more aware of the cost of money and the green aspect of technology taking off, Connors felt that the time was right for a centre with a focus on the environment where people could visit with their families.

It helped, of course, that the farm is so idyllically located – it sits on the Fergus Estuary, across from Dromoland and Shannon, which means it has a great variety of habitats and biodiversity.

Reasonable rates

Connors has pitched the courses and workshops at very reasonable rates saying he doesn’t want price to be an issue for people, and there is a family-friendly aspect to it too: one person attending a Saturday morning course (which costs €25), can gain admittance for the whole family to the farm for just €10 extra.

However, while prices are certainly reasonable, Connors is hopeful the business will soon turn a profit.

“I think the main thing is to get through the first year, and keep the cash flow steady until we become more recognised.”

Having run the furniture business for 10 years, Connors is already familiar with setting up a start-up and believes the idea is good enough to become a success.

The producers of RTÉ show Higher Ground obviously thought so too because they picked him along with seven others to feature in their show, which chronicles eight budding rural entrepreneurs trying to grow their businesses with the help of mentors.

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