Castlebar Tidy Towns launches Energy Master Plan at cost-saving evening

Last Thursday evening, Castlebar Tidy Towns hosted a highly successful 'Energy Cost-Saving Evening' at the Linenhall Arts Centre, where homeowners and community groups gathered to explore practical ways to lower their electricity and heating bills. The event, part of Castlebar Tidy Towns Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) initiative, featured a series of expert talks on grants, solar PV technology, and one-stop-shop services that simplify energy upgrades.

Alan Mee, chairperson of Castlebar Tidy Towns, emphasised the importance of providing accessible information: “Getting people the right details on grants, solar power, and one-stop shops helps them make good decisions about where to invest for long-term savings. This event plays a vital role in our SEC initiative and is supported by the SEAI and Mayo County Council.”

The highlight of the evening was the official launch of the Castlebar Energy Master Plan by Alan Dillon, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. In his address, Minister Dillon noted: “This Energy Master Plan, by Castlebar Tidy Towns Sustainable Energy Community, will be key in helping everyone in our community - across residential, public, commercial, industrial and transport sectors – to achieve our climate goals and to deliver real costs saving on the ground.”

The Energy Master Plan, developed by KRA Renewables, is based on comprehensive energy audits of residential properties and key community facilities. The Castlebar Voluntary Social Services, the Family, Parish and Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar Celtic, and the town’s three secondary schools (Davitt College, St Gerald’s, and St Joseph’s) underwent energy audits to identify potential improvements. These audits will also unlock funding opportunities to upgrade and enhance these important facilities.

The evening also featured presentations from key experts. Dr Orla Nic Suibhne of the SEAI explained available grant options for homeowners, while Oliver Killeen from WestQuay Energy gave a detailed overview of solar PV technology. Noel Rowland from Churchfield Home Services highlighted the advantages of using a one-stop shop for energy retrofits. Fiona Neary, Operations Director at The Linenhall, shared how their recent energy audit has helped them focus on future developments. Homeowners were also introduced to MPE-online’s innovative energy assessment tools, designed to help evaluate their properties' energy-saving potential.

Further information is available from officialcastlebartidytowns@gmail.com, on Castlebar Tidy Towns’ Facebook page or you can contact the featured organisations directly for advice on energy upgrades and funding options.