10 Laois community energy projects will receive grant funding under the Community Energy Grant Scheme.
The grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provide for a range of improvements to existing buildings to drive energy efficiency and facilitate the installation of renewable technologies.
According to Laois TD Sean Fleming, recipients include public sector projects, sports facilities, community buildings and businesses.
He said: “These include the installation of insulation, heat pump systems, replacement windows/doors, solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, refrigeration upgrades and energy monitors, as well as a host of other energy upgrades.
“The Governments Climate Action Plan and these grants play a key role supporting Ireland’s climate action ambitions.
“These upgrades will result in improved energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.
The successful Laois applicants are:
- Portlaoise Leisure Centre: Proposed Heating Controls
- Portarlington Leisure Centre: Proposed Solar Panels
- Laois County Council County Hall, Portlaoise: Proposed Heating Controls
- Castletown Community Centre : Proposed heating insulation and lighting upgrades
- Eurospar Fairgreen , Portlaoise : Proposed cooling and refrigeration upgrades
- Emo Filling Station/Mace Mountrath: Proposed Refrigeration upgrade
- MES Recycling Derraugh Warehouse, Mountrath: Proposed Solar Panels
- Beechfield Healthcare, Portlaoise: Proposed Solar Panels
- Brelins Supervalue Abbeyleix: Refrigeration upgrade
National Home Retrofit Scheme for Laois Homes (number to be finalised)
Laois TD Charlie Flanagan also welcomed the news.
He said: “Recipients will benefit from warmer buildings that are better for their health as well as more efficient buildings that will ensure lower energy bills.
“Overall, this dunging will lead to a reduction in harmful CO2 emissions.
“As per the Government’s ambitious Climate Action Plan, communities play a central role in achieving our climate action ambitions.
“The projects will also deliver significant employment benefits here in County.”
