St. Finbarr's Hurling and Football Club Launches Community Climate Action Programm

St. Finbarr's Hurling and Football Club has officially launched its Community Climate Action Programme Project, with the initiative unveiled this weekend by Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle. The club has partnered with Cork City Council to implement funding from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, marking a significant step in their commitment to environmental sustainability.

As part of the project, 136 solar panels have been installed across the club's facilities. According to data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), these panels will generate enough electricity to power 13 average-sized Irish homes annually. The newly-installed microgeneration array will cover approximately 28% of the club’s energy needs, with any surplus electricity during sunnier periods being fed back into the local network. This move not only reduces energy consumption but also significantly cuts the club’s carbon emissions.

The solar panels are just one element of the club's broader sustainability efforts. Plans are underway to implement energy-efficient upgrades to the clubhouse, further reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. St. Finbarr's is one of 23 community projects benefiting from Cork City Council’s Community Climate Action Fund.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, commended the club's initiative, stating:

"St. Finbarr's is a great example of how a community-based sports club can lead the way making sustainability work for them. It is exciting to see the Community Climate Action Fund start to bear fruit around the city, to create positive and lasting climate impacts.”

Colette McCarthy, Treasurer of St. Finbarr's and member of the club’s sustainability committee, highlighted the positive impact of the club's environmental efforts:

"Since we formed our club sustainability team ‘Blues Go Green’, our awareness and knowledge around climate action has increased dramatically. We are doing the right thing for our environment and the changes we are making will result in substantial savings on our energy bills, which for a voluntary organisation is a great bonus!"

The initiative not only demonstrates St. Finbarr’s dedication to a greener future but also serves as an inspiration for other community groups in Cork and beyond to embrace climate-conscious practices.