Offaly people urged to create a sustainable future at Tullamore conference

UPCYCLED oat bars, retrofit myth busting, and a mountain of fast fashion visible  from space.

These are some of the issues that came up for discussion at an event on sustainability, 'Playing our part of a sustainable future', held in Saint Mary's youth and community  centre in Tullamore on Saturday last.

The event was organised by Event Manager Ashling McElligott and MC’d by Liam Walsh, Green Party candidate of Tullamore in the 2024 local elections.

The keynote speech was delivered by Offaly based Minister of State Pippa Hackett who emphasised the importance of action on the climate change and biodiversity crisis.

Action being taken by local Offaly groups in the form by businesses, charities, local government, LOETB, and government departments are tackling our emissions while creating local sustainable employment. 

Beibhinn Kennedy, from Mount Lucas, gave an overview of the courses available on site for both construction professionals and homeowners to retrofit homes to retain heat and save on bills.

Niamh Dooley, from growing Tullamore company BiaSol, showcased the ability to upcycle brewers spent grain into various products including oat bars to soda bread mix avoiding methane emissions.

Elaine White from Oxfam highlighted that global garments produced have roughly doubled in the last 15 years leading to mountains of fast fashion ending up dumped across the world. Reselling old clothes can reduce the environmentally impact on those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, like in sub-Saharan Africa. 

This timely event was held while the draft Offaly County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 is currently open for submissions until December 6.

Council Climate Action Coordinator John McNally discussed the draft plan of over 100 actions points to bring down emissions for Offaly by 51% and increase energy efficiency by 50% by 2030.

Liam Walsh encouraged people gathered to make submissions and explained that a Climate Action Fund would be available to community groups with a closing deadline of February 28 2024.

Mr Walsh as MC – gave his closing remarks saying “that we all need to do more – we can all play our part, no matter how small, to bring about change. If this change of habit and mindset can be realised, we will be well on our way to “Making Green Happen” – the tag line that Walsh is running his election campaign on. 

He thanked the Offaly Minister, the guest speakers, the venue host Stephen Lawlor, event planner Aisling McElligott and the audience for a thought-provoking afternoon. Walsh finished by asking the audience to look at the Ted Talk given in 2018 by Solli Raphael -entitled “We Can Be More”. If people requested further details to contact liam.walsh@greenparty.ie