McKenna drives on green jobs plan

THE green jobs initiative spearheaded by the GAA is developing momentum after a successful launch in Clonakilty six weeks ago.

Along with the other major partners in the project, the association has targeted four areas to kick-off their retro-fit drive, with Tralee the next port of call later this month.

Tallaght, Mullingar and Gorey have also been earmarked for the push which sees the GAA act as a community conduit in making people aware of the savings that can be made by retro-fitting their homes, schools and workplaces.

At last April’s Congress, GAA president Christy Cooney claimed 10,000 sustainable jobs could be created by the initiative which aims to cut energy and waste costs.

The work would require the employment of skilled workers such as engineers, planners and labourers. A number of jobs have already been created in Clonakilty and more are planned as the campaign develops.

“The idea is people are informed of the advantages of having their homes retro-fitted through their local GAA club,” explained GAA commercial director Peter McKenna.

“There was a tremendous response in Clonakilty, which augurs well for the rest of the areas we have targeted over the next few months. We’re looking in the region of a €200,000 to €240,000 retrofit spend. Imagine what that would mean if our 2,500 clubs across the country got involved. The impact would be enormous.

“The advantages of retro-fitting are there for all to see; it has a multiplier effect. There are cost savings in terms of the household energy bills, jobs are being created in the community and the country’s emissions level is lowered.

“Sustainable Energy Ireland have been really helpful. We believe we’re really tapping into something here.”

As McKenna explained to the Irish Examiner last April, the initiative is the brainchild of Dublin manager Pat Gilroy, managing director of energy systems company Dalkia.

McKenna added: “A lot of people are putting their shoulder to the wheel and we don’t want to be taking all of the glory. We see ourselves as the conduit and it ties in with our community and voluntary ethos. There are several companies involved like Repak, ESB, Ulster Bank, Diageo and Cement Roadstone.”

Meanwhile, McKenna, who this week took over the new brief of GAA commercial director, expressed his frustration at the objections to plans to create a rooftop walkway and an abseiling facility at the stadium.

“We had a hearing with An Bord Pleanála last week and the three objectors to the application left without giving any evidence,” said Mc Kenna. “This is an initiative which would create six full-time jobs, 10 part-time seasonal positions as well as at least 50 full-time jobs during the construction. It’s very frustrating to see the process delayed, especially when one of the objectors, who is on the local residents’ committee, actually lives in Castleknock.”