Mayo County Council appoints contractor for €9 million energy retrofit projects
Mayo County Council has officially signed contracts for the delivery of major Pathfinder Energy Retrofit Projects at Áras an Chontae, Castlebar and Westport Leisure Centre, representing an investment of approximately €9 million in the energy performance and sustainability of the public buildings.
The projects are being delivered in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the national Pathfinder Programme for publicly owned buildings. The programme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% and improve energy efficiency by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050 in line with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
Designed by MosArt Ltd, the works will be delivered by Dominic O'Connor Ltd following a competitive procurement process.
The projects will include significant building fabric upgrades, advanced heating and ventilation systems, renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient lighting and modern building management controls aimed at reducing energy use, lowering carbon emissions and improving comfort levels for building occupants.
At Áras an Chontae, the proposed upgrades are expected to deliver a 50% reduction in primary energy consumption, a 69% reduction in total carbon emissions and a 76% reduction in thermal carbon emissions. Staff will also benefit from enhanced thermal comfort through improvements to insulation, glazing, heating controls and overall building performance.
At Westport Leisure Centre, the project is expected to achieve a 66% reduction in primary energy consumption, an 80% reduction in total carbon emissions and an 82% reduction in thermal carbon emissions. The upgrades will provide a more comfortable environment for staff and facility users while significantly reducing the building's energy demand and operating costs.
Together, the two Pathfinder projects are expected to save approximately 2 million kilowatt-hours of energy annually, equivalent to almost 10% of Mayo County Council's current annual energy consumption.
Cathaoirleach John Caufield outlined: “I welcome the commencement of this important project. The projects will make a significant contribution towards Mayo County Council's commitment to reduce its emissions by 51% by 2030 and move towards net zero by 2050, as required by national and European legislation requiring improved public sector energy efficiency and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These projects demonstrate the importance of continued collaboration between Mayo County Council and SEAI in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon public sector.”
Kevin Kelly chief executive added: “I wish to acknowledge the support of SEAI, the commitment of the design team at MosArt Ltd, the expertise of Dominic O'Connor Ltd as construction contractor and the work of our environment team in delivering these flagship projects. These projects help us deliver on our commitments in the Mayo County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 - 2029 and once completed, the developments will serve as leading examples of how deep energy retrofits can reduce energy demand, lower carbon emissions, improve occupant comfort and future-proof public buildings for years to come.”
John O'Sullivan, head of department, Public Sector and Regulatory Programmes, SEAI, said: “SEAI is delighted to support Mayo County Council through the Pathfinder Programme in delivering this exemplary energy retrofit project. By demonstrating innovative approaches to public sector decarbonisation, Pathfinder projects help organisations reduce emissions, improve energy performance, and transition away from fossil fuels. The experience and insights gained from projects such as this will help inform and accelerate similar retrofit projects across Ireland.”