An environmentally-aware church in west Belfast is the first in Northern Ireland to go solar, after officially launching its new solar energy system at an opening ceremony yesterday.

|TOP|St Oliver Plunkett Church, which prides itself on its green identity, has taken the groundbreaking step of installing solar photovoltaic panels (PV) on the south-facing roof.

The new system was possible with the help of a grant from Northern Ireland Electricity and the Energy Saving Trust and will produce around 4000 units of eco-friendly electricity each year.

Parish Priest Father Martin Magill reported a positive response from parish members: “I’ve been encouraged by the response from people in the parish and I’m especially pleased that some people are interested in installing panels on their own homes.”

He added: “I chose the feast of St Francis of Assisi for the launch because of his love for creation; churches need to be giving an example of practical ways of caring for God’s world.”

The opening ceremony was also attended by Father Seán McDonagh, the well-known author of several books on the environment. He warned that global warming was one of the most serious ecological problems facing the planet today and warned that the consequences for the poor could be “terrible”.

|QUOTE|He said: “The best way to teach is by example. That is why the initiative taken by St Oliver Plunkett Parish in West Belfast to install photovoltaic panels thereby cutting down on carbon emissions is so important.

He added: “To the best of my knowledge it is the first church to take such a step. May many others follow their good example.”

The church’s initiative also received the praise of NIE Energy Services’ Delta Hamilton, who described the project as “an inspirational project for the whole community”.

“This project demonstrates how easily renewable energy sources can be integrated onto any building.”

Ms Hamilton said the system would cut carbon dioxide emissions into the local environment by two tonnes per year.