· 70 sports clubs among projects awarded €28m funding by SEAI
· Projects highlight sports clubs’ enthusiasm for energy efficiency
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, T.D., today highlighted the enthusiasm and ambition of sports clubs when it comes to energy efficiency. 70 sports clubs are among the 83 community projects receiving €28m funding under the Better Energy scheme towards insulation, heating and lighting upgrades. GAA, soccer, rugby, golf, tennis, swimming, athletics, squash and horse racing clubs will all benefit from the funding.
The Minister said: “In 2014, the Better Energy programme will provide almost €60m for retrofitting. Sporting organisations around the country like Kilmacud Crokes are alert to the high cost of energy in their facilities whether it is the floodlights that are in use during the winter or the showers after matches and training; every euro saved through energy efficiency can be invested back into valuable services for their members and patrons. This Government continues to be committed to energy retrofitting in homes, and community and public facilities.”
The Minister was speaking at Kilmacud Crokes GAA club, one of the beneficiaries of a flagship partnership which began last year between Musgrave Supervalu and the GAA. Through the partnership, Musgrave Supervalu is making a significant contribution towards the cost of energy retrofit projects in a number of GAA clubs nationwide. Kilmacud Crokes are already benefitting from the insulation, heating and lighting upgrades installed as part of last year’s scheme and this year the collaboration will result in upgrades to a further 37 Supervalu stores and 34 GAA clubs across the country
Dr Brian Motherway, CEO, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland said: “Energy retrofitting is vitally important for Ireland reducing expensive imports of fossil fuel and providing much needed employment. Community projects involve people and organisations working together, having a real effect on people’s lives, with the benefits staying locally.”
Mr Kevin Foley, Chairman of Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club, said; “We were delighted to have participated in the Better Energy Community Project. A number of changes including heating, insulation and lighting upgrades have resulted in significant savings. These savings have allowed us to invest in additional facilities for the Club. We have a lot of underage teams here at the Club and we are proud to be associated with a project that aims to protect their future by reducing CO2 emissions and becoming more energy efficient. We thank SEAI and Musgraves for their support with this project, and we also wish to acknowledge the role of both Enprova and Energy Action in the delivery of the energy efficiency measures here at the club.”
ENDS
Editors Notes
· The Better Energy schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of the Government.
· This year community projects will share in €28m support towards total project costs of €57m.
· Estimated savings from the completed projects are €7m per annum and 21,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided per annum.