THE ARAN island of Inis Oirr has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint with the purchase of an "ecobus", which can be sustained by wind energy.
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív is due to take a trip on the electric mini-bus today, having approved 80 per cent of the cost of the €47,118 project.
The project was initiated by Inis Oirr's co-operative Comhar Caomhán to provide transport for islanders and tourists.
The co-op hopes to recharge the bus batteries by energy generated from sustainable energy, which should result in a 70 per cent drop in its transport fuel costs.
Paddy Crowe, the co-op's manager, says: "Inis Oirr co-op buys its electricity from Airtricity and we also have geothermal energy in the building. We also plan to put up a trial wind turbine here."
Mr Ó Cuív says he is very impressed with the "green energy" project, which will reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, reduce noise, and will have "lower and more predictable operating costs due to the smaller number of parts in the vehicle".
He says it will also reduce the island's dependency on imported fuel and the bus will have lower insurance and tax costs.
The project has been supported by Sustainable Energy Ireland.
Mr Ó Cuív says one of the Government's goals is the introduction of a specific scheme to encourage and support "island-produced and consumed" renewable energy initiatives for community buildings and for public lighting.
The electric mini-bus has been adapted for wheelchair accessibility. The gear system has been modified to improve its ability to go uphill as there are several steep hills overlooking Inis Oirr's harbour.
An alarm has been fitted to warn pedestrians of the bus's approach, given its silent operation.
The vehicle can carry up to five passengers at a time and was bought by the co-op from GMI Green Machines.