Smith’s awarded Gala Greener Grant

Smith’s Gala in Ballyconnell has been selected as a recipient of a Gala Greener Grant, an initiative aimed at supporting retailers in their transition to sustainable technologies.

As part of Gala Retail’s nationwide commitment to sustainability, the grants offer financial support to Gala retailers seeking to reduce their energy usage by adopting sustainable technologies, such as waste heat recovery systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The initiative is part of a €500,000 sustainability fund, which will be distributed to Gala retailers across Ireland by 2030.

With the support of this grant, Smith’s Gala has introduced a new refrigeration system, helping to reduce energy usage and contribute to a greener future for the local community.

The new refrigeration system is projected to save the store 16,233 kWh of energy annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 5270 tonnes per year – which is the equivalent of over 376 trees needed to offset the same amount of CO2, showcasing the tangible benefits of adopting sustainable practices in convenience retail.

Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, added: “At Gala, we understand the vital role that retailers play in their communities and the importance of helping them to adopt sustainable practices. Through the Gala Greener Grants scheme, we aim to support our retailers as they invest in the future and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Ireland. Smith’s Gala is leading the way, and we are excited to see the positive impact that this will make on the store.”