Lahinch Leisure Centre

Thinking about modernising your Leisure Centre? Our team delivered the full refurbishment of Lahinch Leisure Centre. Explore the project to see what’s possible for your facility.

Summary of Work

The project was delivered by our team of experienced engineers, who managed all stages from design development to practical completion over a five‑year period. The timeline below summarises the works undertaken.

Initial Energy Audit completed

2017

Application to the Department for URD Funding

2018

Design Team Appointed

.

March 2019

Application to SEAI BEC/CEG Programme

January 2020

Design Documentation issued for tender

February 2020

Tenderer returned and contractor appointed

June 2020

Value Engineering

July - August 2020

Works commenced on-site

Septemeber 2020

Project Completion

2022

Fabric & Energy Upgrade Highlights

Cavity & External Wall Insulation

The upgrade included cavity and external wall insulation, with 140m² of pumped cavity insulation achieving a U-Value of 0.22W/m²K.

Grant aid on capital costs of €1,680 from SEAI at 30%.

968m² of External Wall Insulation was installed using the Thermotech 120mm insulated render system, achieving a U-Value of 0.14W/m²K.

Grant aid on capital costs of €170,360 from SEAI at 30%.

Roof Insulation Upgrade Works

3,080m² of roof insulation was upgraded using 120mm Xtratherm Flat Roof Board.

A U-Value of 0.16W/m²K was achieved.

Grant aid on capital costs of €15,800 from SEAI at 30%.

Ground Floor Insulation

400m² of ground floor insulation was upgraded using 100mm Kingspan K3 floorboard.

A U-Value of 0.18W/m²K was achieved.

Grant aid on capital costs of €15,800 from SEAI at 30%.

Windows & Doors Upgrade

136m² of windows were upgraded to double glazed units, achieving a U-Value of 1.4 W/m²K.

59m² of doors were replaced with high efficiency units, delivering a U-Value of 1.2 W/m²K

Grant aid on capital costs of €101,530 from SEAI at 30%.

Smart LED Lighting Upgrade

A total of 416 LED fittings were upgraded to smart LED units equipped with occupancy sensors and daylight‑harvesting controls.

Emergency lighting was included as part of the installation.

Grant aid on capital costs of €101,530 from SEAI at 30%.

Solar PV & Battery Storage

A 137kWP solar PV array was installed, comprising of 310 Longi 445W panels and supported by two Solis 40K-5G inverters and one Solis 50K inverter.

The system is complemented by a 30kWh battery‑storage installation using nine Pylontech US3000 units.

Grant aid on capital costs of €165,000 from SEAI at 30%.

Shower Heat Recovery System

Six Recoup shower heat‑recovery units were installed, each providing 42% heat‑recovery efficiency.

Grant aid on capital costs of €11,520 from SEAI at 30%.

ERP Compliant AHUs with Heat Recovery

Three Mark Eire ERP‑compliant AHUs were installed to serve the pool hall and changing rooms.

Each unit delivers a minimum of 84% heat‑recovery efficiency, significantly improving ventilation performance and reducing energy demand.

Grant aid on capital costs of €335,125 from SEAI at 30%.

Geothermal Heat Pump System

2 The geothermal system comprises two Thermia Mega XL ground‑source heat pumps (79kW each), supplied by 15 boreholes at 150m depth and 10m spacing, giving a total borehole length of 2,250m.

The installation also includes new domestic hot‑water cylinders with a 700L pre‑heat tank and a 700L finish tank.

Grant aid on capital costs of €324,600 from SEAI at 30%.

New BMS

A new Building Management System (BMS) was installed, incorporating 478 monitored and controlled points across the facility, supported by two new Motor Control Centre (MCC) panels to manage plant equipment.

Grant aid on capital costs of €45,000 from SEAI at 30%.

Heating Distribution Network

34 fan coil units (FCUs) were installed, 18 of which are four‑pipe units providing both heating and cooling.

Grant aid on capital costs of €185,275 from SEAI at 30%.

Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) System

10 mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units provide fresh‑air ventilation to all areas outside the pool hall and changing rooms.

Grant aid on capital costs of €52,480 from SEAI at 30%.

Variable Speed Drive Pumps

17 variable‑speed drive (VSD) pumps were installed across all low‑pressure hot water (LPHW) services.

Grant aid on capital costs of €68,800 from SEAI at 30%.

De-stratification Fan Installation

Six de‑stratification fans were installed in the pool hall, kids’ zone and community hall — all high‑ceiling spaces where warm air naturally rises and collects at roof level.

De‑stratification fans gently recirculate this trapped warm air back down into the occupied zone, improving comfort and significantly reducing heating energy waste.

Grant aid on capital costs of €11,000 from SEAI at 30%.

Biomass Boiler Installation

The biomass system consists of a boiler cascade comprising one 300kW unit and one 100kW unit, supported by a 10,000L buffer tank.

The system operates on wood‑pellet fuel.

Biomass Supply & install Cost: € 182,000.00 (Ex VAT)

Energy Performance Overview

Electrical consumption increased by 20%, reflecting the expansion of air conditioning and ventilation services to the entire facility, including approximately 800 m² of additional conditioned space.

The retrofit improved the Building Energy Rating from E to A3 (NZEB Leisure Centre standard), resulting in a 76% reduction in thermal energy consumption.

Energy costs decreased by 56%, driven by upgrades to the building fabric, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, smart LED lighting, and solar PV installation.

A 65% reduction in CO₂ emissions was achieved through upgrades to air handling units, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and the installation of on-site solar generation.

Delivering Efficiency - Lahinch Leisure Centre Retrofit

Project Gallery

Lahinch Leisure Centre 6
Lahinch Leisure Centre 3
Lahinch Leisure Centre
Lahinch Leisure Centre - ducting
lahinch gym view

Why choose Tipperary Energy Agency?

25+ Years Delivering Ireland's Energy Transition  

Tipperary Energy Agency is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 1998. We have been at the forefront of energy efficiency and retrofit in Ireland ever since, working with local authorities, communities, businesses, and the public sector across the country.  

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

Speak to an expert

Looking for the right solution for your facility? Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can support your goals.