Global students' plan makes re-opening of Mayo pool 'viable'
A group of international students tasked with preparing a business case plan for the re-opening of a swimming pool in Erris have presented their findings to the local community, following the culmination of a four-week research trip to north Mayo.
The project has delivered what local cllr Gerry Coyle described as “fascinating findings”, after a group of 20 students from the University of Flensburg explored how renewable energy initiatives could make the swimming pool in Belmullet viable once again.
Three students from the group of 20 were tasked with creating the business case during the first week of their visit, after being approached by cllr Coyle.
“Erris needs a swimming pool, we have people travelling to Mulranny to teach their kids how to swim, we have them going to Ballina and Castlebar,” he said.
Under the students’ plans, they envision four heat pumps heating the pool using electricity, alongside 576 ground-mounted solar panels on site, which would cover 1,100 square metres.
Their findings state that this would significantly reduce the pool’s maintenance costs and make its re-opening and future viability far more achievable.
The students’ findings suggest that the swimming pool, which last operated in 2019, previously required the power equivalent of 200 homes to sustain itself.
Under the proposed renewable energy plan, running entirely off electricity, the pool would instead require the power of just 50 homes.
“This makes the case for the re-opening of the pool much more viable,” according to Cllr Coyle.
“This area produces so much energy for the rest of the county, and what can we show for it? The gas pipeline is there, those wind turbines in Oweninny are soon to be the largest in Europe, the rates go to Mayo county council in Castlebar, and we are left with people travelling for a pool and our power heating pools elsewhere.
“That’s why these students are brilliant, and initiatives like this are so important, they are coming from an unbiased view."
He continued: "If you go into a Ford dealership, he’ll sell you a Ford, but these students aren’t selling anything. They’re just giving facts.
“I really want to compliment these students and also a huge thanks to the owners of the Broadhaven Bay Hotel for their cooperation. I want it to be made abundantly clear that it is not their fault that there is no pool in Belmullet but it is through working together we can make something happen.”
The presentation, delivered by students from Mongolia, India and Egypt, outlined how upgrading windows and introducing four heat-pumps would significantly improve energy efficiency compared to the facility’s previous running costs, based on bills used provided to students from 2019.
Dr Orla Nic Suibhne of the SEAI, who co-ordinated the month-long visit, said the project represents a net positive for the people of Erris.
“Last year they were on the Aran Islands and before that in Clare, Belmullet is the ideal learning ground for them to gain real-world experience of renewables and how projects impact upon communities.
“If the swimming pool re-opens with less costs to run it, then that would be a huge win for everyone in Erris,” she said.
Professor Dr Bernd Moller said the swimming pool project undertaken by his students is a “no-brainer”.
“It would make the pool more efficient, bring down costs and be a net benefit for the whole community,” he said.
He also complimented the hosts and thanked the local community for their hospitality during the students’ stay.
“We’ve come from all over the world to Erris and learned so much and been welcomed, and we hope to leave some knowledge and curiosity,” he said.
This story is also discussed on this week's edition of the Connaught Telegraph's politics podcast