The Dundalk Golf Club was established in 1905 and moved to its current location in Blackrock, Co. Louth in 1922. Sitting above Blackrock village, the golf course offers panoramic views of Dundalk Bay, the Cooley Mountains, Mourne Mountains and Slieve Gullion. With the clubhouse positioned at the highest point on the course, members and visitors are treated to optimal views of the surrounding scenery and easy access to all facilities on offer.
In recent years, the club has become increasingly aware of its environmental impact, particularly regarding carbon emissions. Padraig Fallon, Chair Facilities Manager at Dundalk Golf Course estimates that operations “were probably pumping out close to 80-100 tonne of carbon dioxide a year”. Alongside these emissions, Padraig states that upon investigation the club’s “spend on gas and electricity were very high - unsustainably high”.
These combined factors were key reasons behind the decision to renovate their beloved clubhouse and ensure that the legacy of golf in Dundalk is continued.
From the start, the building’s old gas boiler system proved to be a major challenge. “The old system was a large gas boiler for heating and hot water. It was probably using close to 400 units of energy a day, so we knew that had to go” remembers Padraig. Daniel O'Connor, Managing Director of Beltech Renewables adds that “The old system was a bit of a runaway train when we came in”. No one knew how to operate the outdated technology, which was constantly running, delivering low-pressure water to the shower rooms and providing inefficient space heating throughout the club.
The building itself added complexity: upstairs housed a restaurant and bar, and a television room, while the ladies’ and gents’ locker rooms were equipped with showers downstairs. This meant the heating system needed to be able to provide reliable space heating and handle substantial hot water loads, something that the old gas system struggled with.
In 2024, it was decided that a renovation was needed in order to give the members, guests, employees and locals the best possible clubhouse. From the start, the project’s goals were clear:
Integrate renewable technology to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Provide a simple, user-friendly solution for the golf club’s staff.
Achieve financial savings through improved efficiency.
Most importantly; create a comfortable environment for members, guests, employees and the local community.
All of this had to be accomplished while keeping the club house open and operational, ensuring minimal disruption to daily activities.
The scale and complexity of Dundalk Golf Club’s requirements, with complex heating, cooling, and hot water needs across a large facility, demanded a creative and robust approach. To achieve this, a tailored combination of Mitsubishi Electric products were specified, ensuring reliable performance and energy efficiency throughout the premises.
Beltech Renewables, a trusted partner of Mitsubishi Electric with over 15 years of experience and a business model that is rooted in sustainability, was brought on board to design and install the equipment for the Dundalk facility. Their expertise, coupled with their close working relationship with us, made them ideally placed to deliver a solution that met both the technical and environmental objectives of the project.
The process began with Beltech Renewables conducting a comprehensive site survey and collaborating with Mitsubishi Electric Ireland on detailed heat loss calculations. This collaborative effort was crucial in determining the optimal products and appropriately sizing the units to match the Club’s specific needs.
It was decided that heat pumps were the way to go for this specific project. “Heat Pumps by their nature are a very efficient way of heating space and hot water” confirms Terry Warner, Area Sales Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Ireland. He goes on to say that this is because “For every unit of energy you put into a heat pump you essentially get 4 units of usable energy out the other side”
For space heating, a 40 kW CAHV Commercial Ecodan Heat Pump was supplied. “The CAHV unit is comfortably able to look after the space heating within the golf club” explains Terry. By utilising low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, it was the significantly more environmentally friendly choice to make.
To address the substantial hot water demand from the showers and bar area, two 11.2 kW Ecodan Air to Water Heat Pumps were installed, each feeding into a 1,000 liter cylinder. These advanced, single fan outdoor monobloc air source heat pumps feature the latest technologies and R32 refrigerant, delivering enhanced efficiency and low noise levels. Although typically utilised in domestic applications, their ability to meet high hot water requirements and operate quietly made them especially suitable for this project.
Cooling in the bar and restaurant was provided by four Mr Slim air conditioning units, which utilise lower GWP R32 refrigerant, are engineered for high seasonal efficiency and extended pipe runs. These systems offer effective cooling for large open areas, ensuring comfort for members and guests in the club house.
For user-friendly control, PAR-41MAA Remote Controllers were chosen. These advanced controllers feature a clear, backlit display and an intuitive interface, replacing the previous models which had proven overly complicated for daily use.
Once the correct products were selected, Beltech Renewables moved onto the installation. The installation process was seamless with Beltech Renewables completing the work efficiently and to the promised high standard. “Mitsubishi Electric, across the board, have supported us right from the start to the finish - from the presales, right through to backing up the system and going forward with maintaining it,” remarks Daniel. He goes on to add that “It’s the peace of mind for the installer when you put the product in that Mitsubishi Electric will be there for us. We’re delighted to be a partner of them”.
Work on the project continued while the clubhouse stayed open. “With all of the changes we made, with the full retrofit, we never had any break in use of the facilities which is tremendous you know” boasts Padraig.
The project also benefited from a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant, which covered 30% of the total cost, with the remainder self-financed by the Club.
Daniel and Padraig have worked closely together to analyse the energy savings achieved through the comprehensive retrofit. “We probably reduced everything, our energy use, our costs and our emissions close on 70%” declares Padraig. This astounding 70% reduction in energy costs is coupled with the payback period for the renovation investment being estimated to be around six years.
Beyond these impressive financial benefits, the refurbishment has transformed the comfort levels within the clubhouse. Where previously there was little to no comfort, members now express genuine delight with the improvements. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with members and visitors alike appreciating the enhanced environment. “People are coming here to enjoy our facilities, so we invested in the community,” Padraig explains.
A welcomed outcome of the heightened comfort levels is a significant increase in clubhouse activity. No longer just a space for golfers, the clubhouse has evolved into a vibrant hotspot within the area. Padraig echoes this by maintaining that "It's not just a golfer's facility, this is a hub for community, people are coming here to enjoy our facilities”. Locals now gather regularly for coffee or Sunday roasts, and the venue has become a popular choice for occasions ranging from birthday celebrations to funerals. Many are also drawn by the opportunity to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and with the new renovation; they can do so in comfort.
When asked about the choice of equipment, Padraig is clear: “Mitsubishi Electric are the people to go to. They are the premium product.” He adds, “It was not cost that determined the heat pump we put in here, it was quality that determined the heat pump we put in here and Mitsubishi Electric give that quality.”
The transformation of Dundalk Golf Club’s clubhouse stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful renovation, innovative technology and environmental consideration. Confronted with an ageing, inefficient heating system and escalating energy costs, the club seized the opportunity to futureproof their facilities. By adopting cutting-edge Mitsubishi Electric solutions and collaborating with experienced installers like Beltech Renewables, the club has dramatically reduced its carbon footprint and energy expenditure, achieving a remarkable 70% reduction in running costs. With the whole renovation in place, Padraig was proud to announce that, “We have futureproofed the building”, ensuring comfort and efficiency for years to come.
The project’s success is evident not only in the numbers but also in the revitalised spirit of the clubhouse itself. Where comfort was once lacking, there is now warmth and hospitality, drawing in both golfers and local residents for a wide variety of occasions. The panoramic views of the clubhouse are a focal point for gatherings, celebrations, and daily life. Through thoughtful planning, effective execution, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Dundalk Golf Club is securing its legacy as a model for how sporting institutions can honour tradition while adapting to a changing world.
Ultimately, the renovation has secured a resilient and inviting future for Dundalk Golf Club, where community, comfort and environmental responsibility flourish hand in hand. The Club’s journey demonstrates that progress does not need to come at the expense of heritage; instead, when approached thoughtfully, it can enrich the experience for all who walk through its doors.
Mitsubishi Electric are the people to go to. They are the premium product. It was not cost that determined the heat pump we put in here, it was quality that determined the heat pump we put in here and Mitsubishi Electric give that quality.
Mitsubishi Electric, across the board, have supported us right from the start to the finish - from the presales, right through to backing up the system and going forward with maintaining it. It’s the peace of mind for the installer when you put the product in that Mitsubishi Electric will be there for us. We’re delighted to be a partner of them
Heat Pumps by their nature are a very efficient way of heating space and hot water. For every unit of energy you put into a heat pump you essentially get up to 4 units of usable energy out the other side
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