Ballina has one of the country’s most famous waterways but soon the town will be as well known for its water conservation efforts - as local businesses embark on an exciting campaign.
Irish Water has selected the North Mayo town to roll out the utility’s new Sustainable Water Towns Initiative. The campaign, in partnership with Chambers Ireland, is one of a number of ways that Irish Water is supporting businesses to drive down their water consumption and save money on their bills.
On Wednesday, April 27, Irish Water will deliver an online masterclass on water conservation and Ballina business people are encouraged to attend.
Raymond Horkan, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Great National Hotel Ballina understands the importance of leading the way when it comes to water conservation.
"Having green credentials - and the commercial side of the business - go hand in hand. Going green is something businesses need to be moving towards and customers are looking to support businesses who play their part in sustainability.
"This masterclass will help us demonstrate our commitment to the environment, respond to business demand and at the same time save money on our water bills."
Irish Water’s specialised training provides business owners with the knowledge and expertise to lower water consumption and reduce operating costs while protecting the environment. Small changes such as identifying water waste on site, setting a baseline for water use, raising awareness amongst staff and customers or upgrading to water efficient devices can help to save water and money.
Nationally, Mayo is leading the way with sustainable water towns. Ballina now joins Westport, Ireland’s first town to sign up to the initiative when it was launched last year.
Irish Water’s Business Communications and Marketing Lead, Christine Crawford, is encouraging Ballina businesses to take the Water Conservation Pledge ahead of the masterclass.
"We are thrilled to be delivering the Sustainable Water Town Masterclass in beautiful Ballina later this month. We are calling on the town’s thriving industry to commit to making changes that will conserve water by taking the Water Conservation Pledge. It only takes two minutes online at water.ie and you can post your pledge on social media as a clear demonstration of Ballina’s growing reputation and leadership on climate action and water stewardship."
Mags Downey Martin, CEO of Ballina Chamber of Commerce, spoke of her pride at having Ballina chosen to roll out the initiative and urged businesses interested in the masterclass to contact the chamber and sign up.
"Ballina is working toward becoming Ireland’s Greenest Town by 2025 and to be chosen by Irish Water to lead this initiative is great news for the region. Ballina businesses have proven they are innovative and when it comes to water conservation, we will be strive to be leaders."
Irish Water has developed three steps to support businesses to move to more sustainable water management. The first step is the Water Conservation Pledge which only takes minutes to complete. This is followed by free online Water Conservation Training, and finally businesses can enrol and become a Certified Water Steward.
Businesses can email [email protected] to register for the masterclass and they can find out more information on the Water Conservation for Business Hub at www.water.ie
