Affane Cappoquin GAA Walkway
Affane Cappoquin GAA club are the first club in Waterford to develop a fully solar lit community walkway. The walkway was first developed in 2019 around both pitches to provide an excellent amenity for the community. The walkway is used by young and old, couch to 5k to marathon runners as it provides an outlet for locals to exercise in the local club grounds.
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With the increasing cost of living, especially in the rise of electricity costs, Affane Cappoquin GAA set about lighting this walkway but doing so using a renewable source of energy. The solution for this was provided by local Tallow business Econ Solar Solutions. Econ Solar Solutions provide a range of solar lights for residential, industrial, and agricultural use.
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The 1.2km walkway was lit by 200Watt Solar Lights which has ensured local residents can continue to use the amenity at night as the evenings draw in. With 8 hours of charge time using normal daytime light, this provides up to 5 hours of 100% brightness of night lights for Affane Cappoquin GAA. These lights can be left on for longer during the night with the dimmer function. This 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, Affane Cappoquin GAA have received the full benefit of turning to solar power. 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 he stated that “While this is a first in Waterford, it is only one of the clubs in Ireland that have turned to solar, with the cost of mains lighting, more people are moving to solar for gardens, houses, farms and sports clubs”.
Richie Scanlon, Chairperson of Affane Cappoquin GAA highlighted the benefits of this walkway for the community, stating that “Having this walkway fully lit has been a fantastic addition to our club and our community, giving more people the chance to get out walking in a safe environment, this would not have been feasible with traditional mains lighting”.
With this walkway being a huge success, it could be the start of many solar lit walkways within communities in Waterford. 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.
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