Transforming a Community - St Mary's Day Care Centre SEC

St Mary’s Day Care Centre in Tagoat County Wexford provides essential services for older people in the community, including a day care service, social activities and a Meals on Wheels programme.

In this video, centre manager Siobhán Murphy, alongside the project team, shares their experience of upgrading the building’s energy performance through the SEAI programme. South East Energy Agency carried out the energy audit and project managed the energy upgrade works, supporting the centre from early planning through to delivery.

The upgrades included:
• Replacement of an old cement fibre roof
• Installation of a new insulated roof system with 300mm attic insulation
• Installation of an 11kW solar PV system to reduce electricity costs

With guidance from Yvonne Byrne the SEC Mentor for County Wexford and support from South East Energy Agency, the centre is now warmer, more comfortable, and significantly more energy efficient - reducing both carbon emissions and running costs.

This project highlights what is possible for community buildings when the right technical support, funding and collaboration come together, and serves as a strong example for other Sustainable Energy Communities across Ireland.