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Sleepzone Hostel group, with three large properties in the city of Galway, Connemara and the Burren, announced plans for substantial investment in the environment as a hostel in Connemara, overlooking Killary Fjord near the village of Leenane. Over € 100k is invested in solar panels and biofuels for Sleepzone Connemara, following an environmental audit by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) at the end of last year. JMK Renewable Energy Systems has been committed to installing over 30 solar panels in Sleepzone Connemara and the infrastructure that will allow the use of biomass fuels, and work is currently underway.

SEI have jointly funded the project through a grant under its "Warm" which provides assistance for the deployment of renewable heating. The majority of funding is being provided by a combination of the company's own resources and bank borrowings. initial orientation by SEI advised the use of compact fluorescent lighting, efficient Sleepzone Connemara, where the inn began immediately, reducing their energy costs 35pcs. Other recommendations for water conservation will be discussed during the second phase of the ongoing implementation of environmental policy Sleepzone. Electricity to rural areas and for property downtown Galway - Galway Sleepzone - is already generated by wind, provided by Airtricity.

Sleepzone director Ronan Garvey acknowledges that investing in environmentally conscious systems is expensive, but said "with the looming recession we are naturally aware that the long-term savings in energy costs of this project are considerable. However as two of our three properties are located in areas that are renowned for their aesthetic qualities, we are also very conscious of our environmental responsibilities. "

Sleepzone Galway, which opened in April 2001, was voted "Best hostel in Ireland" (2006) and "7th Best Hostel in the World" (2004) on Hostelworld.com, the online booking engine at the dominant International and Information. He was joined by Sleepzone Connemara in March 2005 - a hunting lodge dating from 1800, which was completely converted into a youth hostel with 110 beds combined dormitory and increasingly popular private rooms with bathroom. The group added Sleepzone - The Burren in March 2007, after buying a 3 star hotel and the modification of some dorm rooms.