THE Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton TD today participated in a Climate Action Forum at Tait House Community Enterprise in Southill.
The forum saw over 100 participants take part in an interactive discussion with the Minister which focussed on how we can take the necessary actions on Climate Action locally and globally.
Following the recent launch of the government’s Climate Action Plan, today’s discussion looked at how Ireland can reach its identified targets and how communities can work together to help deliver the outcome.
Speaking at the event Minister Bruton said:
Tait House has been a pioneer of sustainable living and it was a very appropriate host for our Town Hall meeting. I greatly valued the commitment of the many who participated. We can and we must make the transition to a low carbon world. Our plan sets out the roadmap but it is only by communities enterprise and public bodies moving together that we shall achieve it.
Tracey Lynch, CEO at Tait House Community Enterprise, welcomed the Minister’s visit saying: “The Climate Change action plan is seen as one of the most comprehensive climate policy shifts ever seen in this country and, if delivered successfully, it will aim to achieve a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and to ensure that the country becomes carbon neutral by 2050”.
“Tait House Community Enterprise already has a strong track record in terms of promoting smart, sustainable energy solutions. We have spearheaded the likes of home retrofitting programmes as well as supporting the creation of new community enterprises that make meaningful changes in terms of how we live today and how we prepare for the future”.
During his visit to Tait House, the Minister had an opportunity to see first-hand some of the work being done by the organisation in terms of carbon Emission reduction.
Tait House has recently taken delivery of an anaerobic digester at its Southill facility enabling waste generated from the cafe to be used to help fertilize vegetables grown in its gardens using the no dig system. This produce will then be used as part of its daily café menu and to feed the 130 children who attend the Tait House childcare and afterschool service.
An electric charge point on site and air to water pumps have been the most recent additions to both its childcare and administrative buildings.
With the support of both the DEASP and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board the organisation also promote educating and upskilling those from the community. It currently facilitates a Level 5 accredited training in horticulture, the participants of which were on site to demonstrate their work to the Minister.
Tracey Lynch said: “We have recently commenced a partnership where we are working alongside the Tipperary Energy Agency, an agency that has a proven ability in enabling people, communities and the public sector to become more sustainable in their energy use”.
“Today’s event has been a fantastic opportunity to engage first-hand with Minister Bruton and we set out on beginning to shape a new future for Ireland, one that clearly recognises how crucial it is for all of us to play our part in making our nation a low carbon economy. We are sowing the seeds of a future for our children and grandchildren to enjoy”.
