Sustainable lighting is a ‘game changer’ for GAA club in Kilkenny
With 35 teams playing on 14 acres in St John’s Park, O’Loughlin Gaels decided two years ago to invest in floodlighting, insulation and heating control to enable use of the facilities all year round.
The club has facilities for hurling, camogie, handball, basketball, volleyball, soccer and Irish Dancing.
“It has been a game changer for the club’s 1,000 members, 600 of whom are juvenile,” said Johnny Holohan, Chairman of O’Loughlin Gaels.
O’Loughlin Gaels approached the South East Energy Agency to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
The team at South East Energy Agency coordinated the entire Community Energy Grant application from the initial energy audit, procurement, warranty checks and all the required paperwork.
South East Energy Agency has previously worked with O’Loughlin’s on two prior energy upgrade projects in which the clubhouse was insulated and a boiler was upgraded. PV solar panels were installed and pumped wall insulation was put in.
Michael Kinchella, Project Delivery Engineer with the South East Energy Agency points out that substantial grants of up to 50 per cent of some costs are available to clubs.
“We were delighted to work again with O’Loughlin Gaels,” he said.
“They are making great progress on their energy transition journey and provide a model for other clubs and community organisations to follow.”