Kildare Public Participation Network Climate Action Weekend 2021 took place between Friday the 26th to Sunday the 28th of November. There was a whole host of events that took place throughout the weekend both virtual and in-person to educate and inspire Climate Action within communities. Thank you to everyone who took part to make it such a success.
Friday 26th November
Climate Change Talk with CARO
This presentation will provide an overview of the science behind climate change, its causes, as well as what are the impacts of climate change now and those projected for the future. It will discuss the range of recent climate change policy and legislation introduced internationally, and in Ireland, towards transitioning to a carbon neutral society by 2050. It will show what the future could look like for Ireland if these actions are fully implemented and will conclude by identifying ways you can make changes at home, work or school to play your part in the transition to a carbon neutral society.
Ireland’s Climate Response: Where are we now?
Saturday 27th November
Bicycle Repair Clinic
Get cycling again! Cycle Clinic (on a first come first served basis) will provide a service on individual bikes and advice re bike care. Taking place in Kilcullen Community Centre.
Note: Should the individual require replacement parts (tyres /brake pads etc), they are offered at a large discount and can be paid for separately
Kilcullen Community Centre
Zero Waste Christmas Decorations Workshop
This event is hosted by The Craft Corner in partnership with Zero Waste Maynooth.
This workshop will teach you how to make zero waste decorations for the Christmas tree, to gift or keep!, along with showing you how to make some decorations for your Christmas dinner table.
Lodge Bog Walk with Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Join the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) on the 27th November at 2pm as we explore the fascinating history of peatland formation with a walk to Lodge Bog, a raised bog nature reserve in Co. Kildare. You will learn of IPCC’s current carbon project on Lodge Bog which is to calculate the stored carbon within the habitat through a peat depth demonstration. This project highlights the role peatlands play in regulating climate and shows how IPCC are working towards peatland conservation with a better in mind future for all.
Lodge Bog, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare
Proposed National Peatlands Park
The National Peatlands Park Group is a collection of seven local and national environmental organisations, who have come together to drive a proposal for a major new 7,000 hectare National Peatlands Park in Kildare and Offaly. This online event will give an overview of the ambitions for this park, how the project offers potential for job creation, eco-tourism and opportunities in research, science, conservation and archaeology as well as reversing biodiversity loss and saving valuable peatland habitats. Jesmond Harding of Butterfly Conservation Ireland and Ray Stapleton of Lullymore Heritage Park will present the progress to date.
Zoom
Living Lightly in Ireland: Sustainability Talk
Living sustainably is simple but not straightforward, thanks to the way we’ve created our society over the past few decades.
However, it is possible to live in a planet-positive way without spending a lot of money and investing a lot of time. In fact a lot of sustainable habits can actually save you both, and create a healthier way of life. At this talk Elaine will give you simple, accessible tips on how you can achieve all of this in an enjoyable, affordable way
Via Zoom
Sunday 28th November
Walking tour of Ballymore Eustace Sustainable Energy Community.
Sunday 28th November – 11:00am
SEAI Community Energy Mentor for Kildare, Emer Conway will host a walking tour in Ballymore Eustace to talk about community energy. We will chat about the history of the local hydro power station at Poulaphouca, one of the original sites of renewable power in Ireland, We will look at some key buildings in the community that will be part of the energy master planning process which will begin in January 2022 & examine the path ahead for all energy users in the community. The tour will start at the Band Hall & will finish in the Square, with a nice cup of coffee at the Cartwheel Café!
The Band Hall, Ballymore Eustace
*Please note this event is weather dependant*
Naas Biodiversity Group Walk
Meet with Naas Biodiversity Group for a walk around the lakes, where they will do flora and fauna identification and share some information on projects in 2021 and future events planned by the group such as pocket forest planting.
Climate Action and Participation Panel
Do you want to get involved in climate action in Kildare or find out more about how to influence policy? Join us for a panel discussion with members of Kildare environmental groups and Councillors Vanessa Liston and Chris Pender to see how your actions can make a difference and how you can take the first steps to getting involved with climate action in your own local area.