Rathvilly GAA club are the first club in Carlow to develop a fully solar lit community walkway. The 1.1km walkway around both pitches is a fantastic amenity for those in the community who are looking for a safe place to walk. A lighting development for this walkway had been planned for three years as Rathvilly searched for a suitable and affordable lighting solution.
When planning the development, Rathvilly GAA received “ridiculously high quotes for traditional mains lighting” according to Jim Dunne (Rathvilly Club Secretary). It was through club committee member Robbie Molloy, a solution was found as he had purchased solar lights for his own home from Econ Solar Solutions. Robbie contacted Econ Solar to see if they could provide an alternative and sustainable solution. Working closely with Eoin Condon from Econ Solar, a solar 60Watt Street Solar Light was chosen as a direct alternative to mains lighting.
The 1.1km walkway can now be used late into the evenings as 8 hours of charge time using normal daytime light, provides up to 5 hours of 100% brightness of night lights for Rathvilly GAA. This project has proven to be a huge success for all involved. With reduced costs of installation due to no wiring costs and no follow-up bills, Jim Dunne stated that “it is the sustainable solution going forward “as Rathvilly will have no electricity bills and no maintenance costs”. While locals have been delighted with the chance to use the walkway at night which is open each evening for use.
Speaking to Eoin Condon of Econ Solar Solutions, Jim stated that “More clubs are getting in contact as they are turning to a renewable, sustainable source of energy, also more importantly, these clubs have grant funding available for these projects”. Jim Dunne(Rathvilly GAA) speaking to KCLR radio highlighted the benefits of this walkway for the community, stating that “having this walkway fully lit allows for exercise in a safe environment in the evenings while ensuring it is also affordable for the club”.
With this walkway being a huge success after its opening on the 29th of October, it could be the start of many solar lit walkways within communities in Leinster. For any queries on solar lights or to see the capabilities of these lights for residential, industrial or agricultural use contact Econ Solar Solutions: available at www.Econsolarsolutions.ie or they can be contacted on 0852249507
