In conjunction with the development of Roscommon County Council’s Climate Action Plans, a major community call to action – the ‘County Roscommon Climate Action Call’ – was officially launched in Roscommon Arts Centre recently.
The event showcased a range of innovative and original climate mitigation and adaptation measures adopted by local communities, businesses and voluntary groups across the county in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
The measures resulted in the production of thirteen short videos which illustrate how small, yet progressive and environmentally friendly measures, can improve sustainability and biodiversity in local communities.
This initiative is one of a number of measures identified by Roscommon County Council’s dedicated Climate Action Team. Presently, the local authority is commencing the preparation of its statutory five-year Climate Action Plan. The Plan will set ambitious and future-proofed targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the county’s carbon footprint.
The groups/organisations featured in last week’s presentation were Ballydangan Community Red Grouse conservation project, Ballyleague Men’s Shed’s Repair and Recycling campaign, Casey’s Filling Station’s solar power energy reduction initiative, Cloontuskert Development and Tidy Towns Association’s polytunnel, composter and orchard, Green Hub Garden Club Strokestown’s Community Seed Hub, Hillside Organic Farm’s sustainable farming programme, Joe Connaughton (Lecarrow) supporting bee keeping as pollination, Kilteevan Tidy Towns’s woodland and peatland biodiversity and heritage trail projects, Mid-Roscommon Co-Operative Society, Tulsk’s ‘Let it Bee’ water quality initiative, Roscommon Women’s Network’s Textile Upcycling Social Enterprise project, St John’s Amenity Group, Lecarrow’s native tree planting and conservation, and also supporting native woodland cover and heritage, and Transition Towns Roscommon Eco-Wellness Centre’s zero waste community.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said climate change “is one of the most pressing and challenging issues we face every day as a local authority”.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Tom Crosby welcomed the launch of the Community Climate Action Call, which he hoped would inspire other community groups to following in the footsteps of the thirteen pioneering participants.
