Central Mayo village launches Sustainable Energy Master Plan
The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Belcarra, with the community now working together to turn the actions within the Sustainable Energy Master Plan into reality.
Belcarra Community Co-Operative Society Ltd officially launched the Belcarra Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Master Plan on Thursday, May 7, at Belcarra Community Centre.
The plan was formally launched by Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Sean Carey, and marks an important milestone in Belcarra’s journey towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient and sustainable future. The event brought together local residents, community groups, businesses and stakeholders, highlighting the strong community support behind the initiative and the shared ambition to create a more sustainable Belcarra for future generations.
The Sustainable Energy Master Plan sets out a clear roadmap for the years ahead, focusing on: Improving energy efficiency in homes and community buildings, Reducing carbon emissions across the community, Supporting renewable energy initiatives, Lowering energy costs for households and organisations, Building a healthier, more resilient and sustainable community.
The plan showed that the residential energy use currently accounts for 52 percent of Belcarra’s total energy consumption, while transport accounts for 45 percent, identifying clear areas where improvements and community action can make a significant impact.
Among the key findings outlined in the plan: 87 percent of homes in the area are currently heated by fossil fuels, Only 11 percent of homes surveyed use heat pumps, Many homes fall within lower BER ratings, highlighting the opportunity for retrofit supports and energy upgrades, Priority actions include attic and cavity wall insulation, heating system upgrades and increased solar PV installations.
The roadmap also outlines ambitious long-term goals for the community, including improving home energy ratings, increasing renewable energy use and reducing transport emissions. If implemented successfully, the plan estimates potential carbon emission reductions of up to 59 percent against the current baseline.
Speaking at the launch, organisers emphasised that the success of the plan will depend on continued community engagement, collaboration and participation. The initiative aims not only to reduce emissions and energy costs, but also to support local employment opportunities and ensure that the transition to clean energy benefits everyone in the community.
A special acknowledgement was made to the Belcarra Foróige group, who launched their Sustainability and Wellness Project as part of the event. Thanks were also extended to Mary B Prendergast, Chairperson of Belcarra Tidy Towns and Community Lead; Dr Orla Nic Suibhne, SEC Mentor from SEAI; Laurence O’Reilly, Energy Master Plan Consultant; and SEAI for their support and funding of the project.
Visitors on the night had the opportunity to meet exhibitors and learn more about SEAI home energy grants, One Stop Shop, retrofit supports and Solar PV initiatives available to householders and community organisations.
The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Belcarra, with the community now working together to turn the actions within the Sustainable Energy Master Plan into reality.