Saving energy in Coolock

MINISTER for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton, visited a local facility recently to inspect upgrades that have been made under a community energy grant scheme.  

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland upgrades at the St Michael’s House Leisure Centre in Coolock have made the centre more energy efficient and helped to reduce its carbon footprint.

Additional funding for the upgrades was supported under the scheme by Retrofit Energy Ireland Limited (REIL) partners, who donated €20,000 towards the project. 

Keith Beirne, managing director of Codex Energy, and REIL’s consultant engineers showcased the completed upgrades to Minister Bruton, representatives from the SEAI, REIL and St Michael’s House.

Minister Bruton congratulated St Michael’s House for championing climate action as they seek to deliver a better service. 

“It was great to see the enjoyment and therapeutic benefit that St Michael’s clients are deriving from the swimming pool,” he said.

“Now they can do it in a cheaper, cleaner and more sustainable way. This partnership model between community, enterprise and Government can become a bigger part of our climate efforts. 

David Dunne, interim chief executive of St Michael’s House, thanked Minister Bruton, the department, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Retrofit Energy Ireland. 

“Their support has made it possible for us to continue our work in providing essential services to men, women and children with intellectual disabilities, while at the same time helping to conserve energy and protect our environment,” said Mr Dunne. “Sustainability is a core value we all hold at St Michael’s House, and these upgrades are a positive step forward in this area.” 

The centre is a hub of social and physical activity for the organisation’s service users. It features a fully accessible swimming pool, foot spa, home cinema, coffee dock, physical activities rooms and an outdoor sporting area.