Solar panels are allowing communities in Laois and neighbouring counties to enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool this summer, thanks to funding by EirGrid, the national electricity grid operator.
The Ballinakill outdoor swimming pool, which is run by local volunteers, has reopened for the summer, with solar panels now in place to heat the pool's water to as high as 25C.
This renewable energy project was made possible by funding provided to the town through EirGrid's Community Benefit Fund for the Laois-Kilkenny grid upgrade.
The Community Benefit Fund initiative exemplifies EirGrid's intention to support local communities throughout the lifetime of its projects, including those situated along the line between Coolnabacky in Co Laois and Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny.
The Ballinakill Community Development Association (BCDA), which manages the facility, installed heat pumps in 2022 to heat the water.
However, the addition of solar panels this year will help reduce the pool's electricity bills, while also lowering its carbon footprint.
The 46 newly-installed panels can produce around 20 kilowatts of solar energy.
As the pool is only open from June to September, any excess electricity generated during the rest of the year can be sold to the national grid.
