Ruan SEC Map

Ruan Sustainable Energy Community

CCEA are delighted to work with the Ruan SEC to create the Energy Master Plan for the community

Community Energy Data

Based on Census 2022 and SEAI Building Energy Rating data (BER data updated 6 Oct 2026)

Population
767
Homes
311
Vacancy Rate
9.0%
7 holiday · 21 vacant
BER Coverage
49.7%
Median BER Rating
C
mean 241 kWh/m²/yr
Motor Cars
528
2025 est.
Baseline Energy Usage — MWh/year, apportioned from national SEI06 2024
Sector Electricity (MWh) Fossil Fuel (MWh) Renewable (MWh) Total (MWh)
Residential 1,750 4,371 294 6,415
Community See Audits 17 29 0 46
Transport 122 7,700 672 8,494
Total 1,889 12,100 966 14,955
Population used: 1,141 of 5,458,600 national (0.021%) — calculated 18 May 2026
Baseline Emissions & Cost — per year, Apr–Sep 2026 prices
Electricity Fossil Fuel Renewable Transport Total
CO2 (tCO2e) 396.0 1,130.7 — 1,870.3 3,397.0
Total Cost €643,392 €636,168 €30,386 €1,688,391 €2,998,336
Transport Energy, Emissions & Cost — private cars, per year
Electricity Fossil Fuel Renewable Total
Energy (MWh) 122 7,700 672 8,494
CO2 (tCO2e) 27.3 1,843.0 — 1,870.3
Total Cost €33,249 €1,522,328 €132,815 €1,688,391

Energy per Sector (MWh/yr)

Cost per Sector (€/yr)

Emissions per Sector (tCO2e/yr)

Residential Community Transport
Age of Homes — Census 2022, permanent private households
Houses by Age Group
Pre 1971 1971–1996 After 1997 Not stated
The largest age cohort is 1971–1996 homes at 44% of the housing stock. 22% of homes predate 1971, likely to have cavity-free solid-wall construction and low levels of insulation — the highest retrofit potential in the SEC. 33% were built after 1997 when Ireland's Building Regulations (Part L) introduced mandatory energy efficiency requirements, with further tightening in 2006 and 2011. The 1971–1996 cohort (44%) represents mid-vintage stock, often partially retrofitted but generally below current insulation standards.
House Age and BER Coverage
The 2001–10 period accounts for the largest share of homes (26% of total). The greatest retrofit opportunity is the 1971–80 band — 52 homes without a BER, older construction with typically low energy performance. The 1946–60 band also stands out with 24 unassessed homes (older construction with typically low energy performance). BER coverage is strongest for 1919–45 homes (93%).
Housing Tenure — Census 2022 vs Co. Clare
Owner-occupied homes make up 79% of SEC households versus 72% across Co. Clare. This higher ownership rate is positive for retrofit uptake — owner-occupiers have a direct financial incentive to invest in upgrades that landlords currently lack. Private rental (6%) is below the county average (14%), which is a modest positive for retrofit prospects.
BER Ratings — % of homes with a BER vs Co. Clare and Ireland
Homes with a BER by rating group
A0–B C–D E–G
In the SEC, 31% of homes with a BER are rated B or better, similar to 30% in Co. Clare. The D band is most over-represented (18.1% versus 13.5% in the county) and the C band most under-represented (23% versus 32%). The D–G share of homes with a BER is 46%, above the county's 38%. Nationally, 37% of homes with a BER are rated B or better, so the SEC is below Ireland, and its D–G share exceeds Ireland's 32%. With BERs for 243 of the SEC's 489 homes (just under half) and data for all four Small Areas, confidence is moderate, though BERs over-represent homes sold, let, newly built or grant-upgraded. BER ratings are the yardstick for progress under the Climate Action Plan; one national goal is bringing 500,000 homes (about 25%) to B or better by 2030. In the SEC, 31% of homes with a BER are rated A0–B, 41% C–D and 28% E–G. Homes in the C–D group are closest to the target and would generally need fewer measures to reach a B. The E–G group offers the greatest energy, cost and emissions savings per home, and the SEC's share exceeds the county's 25% and Ireland's 21%. Oil heats 69% of homes with a BER (168 homes) against 54% countywide, making a switch from oil central to the project. Stone walls feature in 14% of homes with a BER (35 homes) against 10% countywide, and such homes usually need specialist insulation.
Cars per Household — Census 2022, scaled × 1.109 to 2025
% of households, Census 2022. Pie chart counts are scaled to 2025; percentages are unchanged by scaling.
Households in the SEC have an average of 1.82 cars, above the national average of 1.43 (Co. Clare: 1.55). Only 4% of households have no car, compared with 14% for the national average — a sign of high car dependence, typical of rural areas with limited public transport. 62% of households run two or more cars (vs 45%). Second cars often cover shorter, predictable trips, making them strong candidates for replacement with an EV, shared transport or active travel.
Small Areas (SAs)
Type Code Name %
SA A037125001 (This is in the Muckanagh ED) 100%
SA A037141001 100%
SA A037141002 100%
SA A037141003 100%
CSO Tables Consulted
Table Level Description
SAP2022T15T1SA SA Number of homes with 0,1,2,3,4 or more cars
SAP2022T1T1ASA SA Population , breakdown by sex
SAP2022T2T1SA SA Population data, breakdown by country of origin
SAP2022T6T2SA SA Housing number by age, divided into different age-bands
SAP2022T6T3SA SA Type of occupancy, e,g, ower, renter etc.
SAP2022T6T5SA SA Central heating Type
SAP2022T6T8SA SA Occupancy on Census night, i.e. number of houses vacant, holiday homes, occupied by usual residents, occupied by visitors, temporarily absent