Major €1.6 Million Energy Retrofit for Apex Leisure Centre in New Ross

Wexford County Council has announced an ambitious energy retrofit project for the Apex Leisure Centre in New Ross, marking a significant step towards the county’s sustainability goals. The €1.6 million project, funded through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Pathfinder Programme with match funding from the council, aims to decarbonise the leisure centre’s heating systems and enhance its overall energy efficiency. The retrofitting process is expected to reduce the facility’s operational costs while contributing to Wexford's broader climate action objectives. The retrofit project is part of a partnership between Wexford County Council and the SEAI under the Pathfinder Programme, which aligns with the council’s Climate Action Plan for 2030. This plan targets a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. The programme is central to achieving these targets, with the Apex Leisure Centre serving as the first building in Wexford County to benefit from the SEAI-funded initiative. A contract for the integrated design team was officially signed on December 16th, 2025, in County Hall. The team, consisting of Butler Cammoranesi Architects, Powertherm Solutions and Spentide Limited will lead the project through its design and implementation stages. This marks the beginning of what is expected to be a replicable energy retrofit model for future projects across Wexford, ensuring minimal disruption to the services provided by the leisure centre. Clare Kelly, Climate Action Officer with Wexford County Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting its importance in achieving local sustainability targets. She highlighted that the retrofit at the Apex Leisure Centre would set the standard for similar future projects across the county, providing a model for energy-efficient upgrades in public buildings.