Tipperary County Council hosts well attended public information event on low carbon communities
There was a great turnout at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) campus in Thurles on Wednesday 16th April, for the Mid-Tipperary Low Carbon Community public information event. This was a gathering of climate action stakeholders and service providers, all working together to deliver a Low Carbon Community vision in the Mid-Tipperary Decarbonising Zone and surrounding areas.
This was the first event of its kind in the county and it provided a unique opportunity for members of the public and local business to meet service providers and learn about the range of supports and funding available to support the shift towards a low-carbon economy and community in Tipperary.
Welcoming everyone and opening the event, Cllr. Peggy Ryan, Tipperary County Council added, “we are all aware by now that our climate is changing, and I think most of us wonder at times how we can make a difference as individuals, communities, farmers and business owners. This public event by Tipperary County Council brings together many organisations who can support us through funding and grants, knowledge and information to allow us make that difference and work together for low-carbon communities in Tipperary.”
The event began at 1.00pm with the ‘FoodCloud’ food truck providing free food samples and information on how to reduce food waste in our daily lives, businesses and households. FoodCloud is a social enterprise based in Tallaght, Dublin with a purpose of reducing food loss and waste through surplus food redistribution, by connecting businesses that have surplus food to communities that can use it.
It was great to see young and old alike enjoying the free food offerings and appreciating the sustainability story behind it. There was also complimentary coffee with a focus on reusable “keep-cups” as the sustainable option for beverages.
From 2.30pm there was a series of short presentations from the different service providers, with more information and engagement being provided afterwards at the information stands in the foyer and main concourse of the TUS campus. Speaking at the event Clare Lee, Climate Action Coordinator with Tipperary County Council commented, “It’s great to see such a turnout today from across the community in Tipperary. We are delighted and thankful to be able to accommodate at least 25 organisations who provide learning, collaboration and supports for a wide range of climate action areas such as the Bioeconomy, Local Enterprise and Community Grants, Education and Learning for all ages and Sustainable Energy Communities.” Clare then went on to launch a new video commissioned by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications that explains the work of the Council and the Mid-Tipperary Low-Carbon Community/ Decarbonising Zone, which is available on the Council’s website and social media channels.
There was a particular focus on the Circular Bioeconomy in Tipperary and Stephen Napier, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Bioeconomy Foundation commented, “the Bioeconomy in simple terms is based on the old rule of wisdom of not throwing anything away. Tipperary is leading the way on the Circular Bioeconomy in Ireland at the National Bioeconomy Campus at the former Lisheen mine site near Thurles, and through the use of available resources from our agricultural, forestry and food processing industries.”
The day also included educational activities for children aged 8 – 12 years of age on sustainability and the circular economy, delivered by the ‘Rediscovery Centre’, a not for profit movement located in the heart of Ballymun, Dublin. Its mission is to lead Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and a sustainable future by creating a fair and inclusive society that thrives within the boundaries of our natural resources. The two sessions provided were well attended and proved popular with kids and parents alike, with an accessible and engaging sustainability message for younger audiences.
As part of its Climate Action Plan, Tipperary County Council has established a ‘Decarbonising Zone’ (DZ) as a specific area in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures will be progressed towards achieving national climate targets. The Mid-Tipperary Decarbonising Zone is centred around the National Bioeconomy Campus at Lisheen, and encompasses a wide rural hinterland that incorporates parts of both the Thurles and Carrick on Suir Municipal Districts.
Alan Walsh, the newly appointed Decarbonising Zone Officer with Tipperary County Council pointed out that, “over the next 12-18 months there will be a lot of activity to raise awareness and engage with local communities, business and service providers to identify opportunities and deliver actions locally in a bid to achieve low-carbon communities across the Mid-Tipperary Decarbonising Zone and wider rural area, with a sharp focus on job creation, sustainability and resilient communities in Tipperary.”