Killala scheme results in 'huge savings' in electricity bills

A climate action project carried out in Killala is generating huge savings on electricity bills and is a model for other similar projects around the county, according to a local councillor. 

At the June meeting of Mayo County Councill, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly said the Community Climate Action Fund supported a very innovative project at Killala Community Centre, resulting in "huge savings in running costs and electricity bills" after the installation of solar panels.

"It is even starting to make some money for the community now. Also, because the Meals on Wheels service is run from the centre, some of the vans have been converted to electric and there is even more savings being made. If we can power all these things and save on bills and reduce on carbon emissions, it’s win, win, win. This was one of the big projects in the first funding round and could be replicated everywhere.” 

Cllr Gerry Coyle welcomed the fact that the community centre in Geesala is also having solar panels installed, while Climate Action Officer Laura Dixon commented that throughout Mayo there has been great uptake by communities on the community fund, adding that retrofitting of buildings is also proving very effective in reducing electricity costs.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.