A large number of community buildings, local authority premises, homes and sports facilities in Mayo have been approved for funding under the 2014 Better Energy Communities and Area Projects 2014. A total of €700,000 has been allocated to projects in Mayo by the Energy Authority of Ireland for these projects which will be carried out on buildings in Ballina, Erris, Castlebar, Mayo Abbey and Ballycastle.
Amongst the facilities that will see work carried out are three arts centres in Mayo — Ballina Arts Centre, Linenhall Arts Centre, and the Balliglen Arts Centre in Ballycastle. Mayo Energy Agency Ltd is leading this project, which includes wall and roof insulation and heating upgrades to the three arts centres in Mayo which are focal points for their respective communities.
Fine Gael TD, Michelle Mulherin welcoming the news said: "Energy retrofitting work at a total cost of €148,682 is to be carried out in community and sports facilities throughout Erris under the scheme. Mayo County Council is leading this project in conjunction with Udaras na Gaeltachta which includes fabric and heating system upgrades to the following community and sports buildings in the Erris area. The projects that will be worked on in the Erris area are, Greannai, Halla Baingear, Ionad Pbal Inbhear, Halla Polla a tSomais, Halla Pobail Gleann na Muaigh, Club Teach CLG Cill Chomain, Pairc Imeartha na Cille Moire, Sports Complex, Scouts Den, Ionad Deirbile, Turasoireachta Iorrais Teo Carne Golf Club, Aras Inis Gluaire, Halla Gaoth Saile.”
She continued: “A total of €458,000 would be spent in the Claremorris, Ballyhaunis and Mayo Abbey areas by a partnership of the Claremorris voluntary housing association, Clár ICH, Mayo Abbey Parish and Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce. The project will be implemented in 48 energy poor homes and four community buildings. The key measures to be implemented are cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, high efficiency gas boilers, quantum storage heaters and lighting upgrades. In Castlebar, Kingspan are leading a project which covers 20 homes and one community centre located in Garryduff, Castlebar. This project is being implemented in conjunction with Saint Vincent de Paul at a cost of €79,552.”
The Ballina based TD concluded saying: “Energy retrofitting is really important for Ireland [by] reducing expensive imports of fossil fuel and providing much needed employment. Estimated savings nationally from the completed projects are €7m per annum and 21,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided per annum.”
