Dec 16, 2008

BER COMBINED COURSES


Dear Environmental Consultants,

In these recessionary times few opportunities exist and very few markets are growing. Building Energy Rating (BER) is rare opportunity, up to 2000 assessors are required to service this growth market, and presently there are only 945 SEI registered assessors to meet this demand.

From the 1st of January 2009 all dwellings (houses) offered for sale, rent, or lease require a BER rating, In excess of 150,000 buildings will require a BER certificate every year. The BER assessment market will be worth in excess of €72 million per year.

Chevron Training – Ireland's largest energy training provider – have scheduled a nationwide programme of combined (new and existing dwellings) courses to run prior to the January 31st FETAC deadline. These are 6 day intensive courses, delivered by Irelands most experienced team of BER assessor trainers, all courses include a site visit and all students are provided with continuing assess to Chevron's highly acclaimed student support service.

For further information, please visit our BER dedicated website www.chevrontraining.ie or LoCall Mr. Dave Collins on 1890 252 755.

Regards,

Dave Collins

Course Manager

Renewable Installers Course

Chevron Training

Dec 12, 2008

WARM DRINKS FOR TRENDY COMMUTERS - Monday 15th to Friday 19th

Next week, Cork City Council will offer warm drinks to those who cycle, walk and use public transport. Warm drinks will be distributed between 8.00 am and 10.00 am in key city centre areas. Do not hesitate to call up.

 

WARM DRINKS FOR TRENDY COMMUTERS

 

From Monday 15th December to Friday 19th December - From 8.00 am to 10.00 am

 

§           Monday 15th December: Grand Parade Pavement (in front of Central Library)

§           Tuesday 16th December: College Road (in front of UCC Gate)

§           Wednesday 17th December: Emmet Place (in front of Opera House)

§           Thursday 18th December: Paul Street (in front of  Tesco Shopping Centre)

§           Friday 19th December: Oliver Plunkett Street (in front of General Post Office)

 

                                                                                                                                                    

Dec 4, 2008

RAW -- Has the Green washed out of Ireland?

ALTHOUGH IRELAND HAS CHAMPIONED MANY NEW GREEN INITIATIVES SUCH AS
TAXING PLASTIC BAGS, PROMOTING ENERGY SAVING BULBS, CHARGING FOR BIN
COLLECTION PER BIN WHILST NOT CHARGING FOR THE GREEN BIN, BANNING
SMOKING IN THE WORK PLACE; IT IS POTENTIALLY LOSING ITS GREEN MANTLE
TO OTHER CITIES AND COUNTRIES WHO ARE NOW CHAMPIONING CARBON ZERO
CITIES. THESE NEW CITIES INCLUDE MASDAR IN DUBAI (WITH MIT) AND
DONGTAN IN SHANGHAI, CHINA (WITH EPSRC, UCL). IRELAND NEEDS IT OWN
INTERNATIONAL CARBON ZERO INITIATIVE SUCH AS GREENPRINT.

THIS RAW DEBATE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRINITY HAUS;
THE CENTRE FOR CONSTUCTION, INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY. PANELISTS
INCLUDE MARK DYER, TRINITY HAUS, MARTIN MCADAM, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER, AQUAMARINE POWER LTD, PROF. J OWEN LEWIS, UCD SCHOOL OF
ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE & CIVIL ENGINEERING, GERRY WHITE, MANAGER,
MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES, ESBI AND MARY WHITE, TD, GREEN
PARTY.

PACCAR THEATRE, SCIENCE GALLERY,
TUESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 19:30.
TICKETS €5 (BOOKING REQUIRED).
BOOK TICKETS HERE

RAW SERIES, A MONTHLY EVENT THAT RESPONDS TO
THE HOTTEST SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STORIES
IN THE MEDIA. SCIENCE GALLERY, PEARSE ST, TRINITY
COLLEGE, DUBLIN 2. T: +353.1.896.4091


Science Gallery is an initiative of Trinity College Dublin

Dec 2, 2008

Fun, Open Performance evening as Fundraiser at An Sanctoir

*Friends for Friends* is an evening filled with song, dance and poetry....or whatever* you* might like to offer!!

Here is a place for performance by friends, for friends. Held at An Sanctoir, Ballydehob, 8pm on Sunday 7th December, this annual event has brought many people together to share in their creativity and have fun.

Acts this year so far include Acapellabella- West Corks World Music Community Choir who will be celebrating their recently launched CD "Songs from Eastern Europe", and Sarah Cunningham together with Tara Brandell who perform beautiful pieces combining dance and the rich tones of the Viola De Gamba.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the evening can book their act by contacting Susy on 028 377192.

The evening is a fundraiser for An Sanctoir. www.ansanctoir.ie

Green Building Courses @ Cultivate Centre

Cultivate in association with EASCA are holding a range of Green Building workshops and courses in the new year that you might be interested in.
All courses are held at Cultivate Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin  and can be booked by calling: 01-6745773

Green Building Course 2009

Wednesday evenings | 7pm | 28 Jan 09 - 4 March 09 | €180

10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate Members 

This six week course for architects, engineers and developers explores the key principles of creating energy efficient and sustainable buildings.  These include method of building, choice of materials, renewable energy options and renovations.  Participants will learn about factors that increase energy efficiency, requirements of Part L of the building regulations and options available to build an A rated home.

Speakers include: Pariac Davis - MCO Environment, Niall Crossan - Ecological Building Systems, Mike Haslam - Solearth Architecture and Joseph Little - Joseph Little Architects, Patrick Duffy - NICER Training

More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/green_building_course_09.html

Solar Water Heating

Solar Water Heating course for architects and engineers with Quentin Gargin

Monday 2 Feb 7pm - 9pm & Tuesday 3 Feb  7pm - 9pm | €60
10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate members

Solar water heating is fast becoming an integral part of house design. Quite apart from the need for Part L compliance, for a long time prices of equipment have been falling while energy costs have risen, and solar water heating is now a cost-effective source of renewable energy in any new home.

The course (run over two evenings) will explore the pros and cons of different systems – flatplates, vacuum tubes, vacuum flasks, and various options for installation and plumbing, enabling architects and engineers to design and specify safe and effective solar water heating systems.

More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/solar_water_heating_09.html

Basic Domestic Energy Auditing

Sunday 8 February 09 | 10am - 5pm | €120  
10% discount for Cultivate & ÉASCA Members

This comprehensive one day energy-auditing workshop with Andy Wilson will enable course participants to carry out their own energy audits up to the standard used in the Building Regulation Technical Guidance Document 'L'. The workshop will cover a wide range of conventional and alternative building materials, and will examine the energy relationship between the different components of a building.

More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/basic_domesite_energy_auditing_3.html

Introduction to Low Cost Design and Construction

Want to build a home for €20,000? Workshop with Andy Wilson

Sunday 22 February 2009 | 10am - 5pm | €95 

10% discount for Cultivate & ÉASCA Members  

This one day theoretical workshop with Andy Wilson will look at simple house design and construction, with the emphasis on very low cost construction using natural and recycled materials. The starting point is the premise that a home should be affordable, pleasant to live in, and should have the lowest possible environmental impact. This course is particularly aimed at young people who want to build an ultra-low cost mortgage-free home in a rural area.

More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/intro_low_cost_construction.html

Introduction to Wind, Micro-Hydro and Solar PV

Domestic Electricity Production with Quentin Gargin

Wed 11 March 7pm - 9pm & Thurs 12 March 7pm - 9pm | €60
10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate members

This course (two evenings) explores the various options available for creating your own electricity. The primary fuel used to produce electricity at the power station can be as much as three times the power you get from your socket. That's why Part L of the building regulations requires 10kw/m2 solar heating, or just 4kwhr/m2 for electricity production.

Producing clean electricity may be feasible in many one-off houses in Ireland, and this course will discuss how to unlock this untapped potential.


More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/intro_wind_energy_microhydro_solarpv.html

 

DIY Solar Thermal Workshop

How to make your own high performance solar panel with Andy Wilson

Sunday 5th April 2009 | 10am - 5pm | €120

10% discount for EASCA and Cultivate members

This workshop will look at how to make a high quality solar thermal panel out of recycled materials. Contrary to popular perception, solar panels are not hard to make and the basic materials may cost as little as €50.00. The type of panel featured in this workshop has the capability to heat water to 50 degrees Celsius as early in the year as February and to over 70 degrees on a regular basis during the summer.

By the end of the workshop, a fully operational (and very professional looking) solar panel will have been built, weather- proofed, mounted and plumbed in.  This workshop is aimed at people with little or no previous experience who want to learn how to make their own solar panel. 


More info: http://www.cultivate.ie/learning/green_building/diy_solar_thermal_workshop_feb_09.html

Learn About Renewable Energy in the Home and Grants

For further information please contact: Alison Wickham, Secretary Sustainable Clonakilty 023-35241

RENEWABLE ENERGY INFO MEETING IN CLON THIS THURSDAY

Householders in Clonakilty will be able to hear an experts view on the latest developments in Renewable Energy for domestic dwelling as well as information on grant assistance at this Thursdays (4th) open meeting of Sustainable Clonakilty being held at 8pm at the Quality Hotel.

Joe Jolley, a buildings engineer who works at the Renewable Energy Information Office of Sustainable Energy Ireland will outline to the public a totally unbiased and independent analysis of the various funding options available to homeowners, who might want to convert to renewable forms of energy in their homes, and will also address renewable technologies for the home.

Joe will give out information and advice on the financial, social and technical issues relating to up to date renewable energy development. With energy prices rising, one of the first logical steps anyone should take is to ensure their own dwellings are energy efficient. Very often people find varying opinions in relation to different systems confusing, leaving them wondering what is the best option for them.

Thursdays meeting should help to provide answers to some of these dilemmas.

See also www.sustainableclon .com

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin,
P.R.O.,
Sustainable Clonakilty

Nov 13, 2008

Bee deaths and pesticides

Press Release by Soil Association 10/6/2008


Soil Association calls for urgent ban on dangerous pesticides linked to honey bee deaths

A group of insect-killing sprays known as neonicotinoids [1] that are widely used in UK farming have now been banned in four other European countries because they are thought to be killing bees [2]. Italy has just joined Germany, Slovenia and France in banning the sprays [3]. This week the Italian government issued an immediate suspension of these sprays after they accepted that they are killing bees. The Soil Association has today written to Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for the Environment, urging him to ban the sprays in the UK with immediate effect [4].

There is worldwide concern at widespread, unexplained and devastating deaths of honey bees over the last two years. Bee keepers have reported potentially catastrophic loss of bees from their hives ranging anywhere from 30-90 percent. Britain's beekeepers have reported that close to one in three hives have failed to make it through last winter and spring[5]. This "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD) is not just a problem for beekeepers and farmers, but for consumers as well, since bee pollination is essential for crop production. The US Department of Agriculture says that one out of every three mouthfuls of food is dependant on bee pollination, and globally up to two-thirds of all major crops rely on pollination, mainly by bees.

The products implicated in bee deaths, clothianidin, imidacloprid, fipronil and thiamethoxam, are approved to kill insects on a wide range of crops in the UK including very widely grown oilseed rape, barley, and sugar beet. They are also cleared for use in ornamental plant and hop production [6]. The use of these chemicals on oilseed rape is of particular concern, as the crop's yellow flowers are very attractive to honey bees, and the crop has become popular with bee keepers.

Peter Melchett, Soil Association Policy Director said, "It is typical of the lax approach to pesticide regulation in the UK that we look like being one of the last of the major farming countries in the EU to wake up to the threat to our honey bees and ban these nasty sprays. We want the Government to act today to remove this threat to Britain's honey bees. The UK Government is almost alone in the EU in fighting against proposed new, tighter European controls on farm sprays, and in the light of what has happened to honey bees, we are calling on Hilary Benn to back European proposals for tighter controls on farm sprays."

Since their introduction by Bayer CropScience in the USA in 2003, these neonicotinoid sprays have been linked to the devastating loss of millions of honey bees in a number of countries. Germany banned the pesticides after beekeepers in the Baden-Wurttenberg region reported that two thirds of their bees died in May following the application of clothianidin. In 1995 bee keepers in North Dakota took Bayer to court when a third of their bees were killed by imacloprid. In France, a third of the honey bee population was killed after widespread use of imidacloprid [7].

Organic farming relies on a number of techniques to avoid the use of sprays that kill insects, including not growing the same or similar crops every year, and encouraging natural predators of insect pests (like wild birds, ladybirds and lacewings). Under Soil Association organic rules, only four sprays can be used, compared to over 300 available to non-organic farmers.

CLON PUBLIC MEETING ON TRIP TO AUSTRIAN ENERGY TOWN

  CLONAKILTY PUBLIC MEETING TO REPORT ON TRIP TO AUSTRIAN SUSTAINABLE TOWN

  A joint delegation consisting of representatives of Clonakilty Town Council and Sustainable Clonakilty went on a brief trip to the Austrian town of Güssing last week to learn how that community became self sustaining in renewable energy over a period of 15 years and eradicated it's dependence on outside energy requirements. Located in the southeast of the country, the town is around a two hour drive from Vienna.

  On this  Thursday evening (13th), they will report on the findings at a public information meeting at the Quality Hotel at 8.00pm in what should be a fascinating illustrated presentation. The meeting is open to all, and there will be a chance to ask questions, and raise issues.

  Included on the trip to Gussing was a visit to the European Centre for Renewable Energy (ECRE) to meet with the Managing Director who outlined how and why the town (which has around 4,000 people) went down this road.

  Afterwards it was onto the Biomass Plant and District Heating Plant Güssing. Here the Clonakilty delegation saw at first hand how locally grown wood is processed as woodchip in a plant to create heat which is then piped to houses and offices, just like water is done here in Ireland.

  In fact, at the biomass plant the main product is gas which is converted to electricity and biofuel, with heat production just being a by product of the process.

  It was then onto a nearby village called Strem, where the local Biogas Plant was visited. Raw materials of maize and grass silage are used to produce gas, and the organic waste is returned to the land as fertilisers and the heat by product to local homes.

  After lunch the group met with engineer Reinhard Koch, Managing Director ECRE who conceived and delivered The Güssing Model in conjunction with Town Mayor Peter Vadasz in 1992.

  Thursdys meeting tonight will ask how the Clonakilty area could possibly also become an energy self sufficient town/district, and already there are plans afoot to start this process. These will be outlined at tonight's meeting, and to be successful, will require a wide interest from the general public.

  The Sustainable Clonakilty Group has an Energy Working Group sub-committee in place since February concentrating on this project, and they have the year 2020 fixed firmly in their sights for the dream to become a reality. As well as doing it for environmental reasons, there are sustainable jobs to be created from this project as well as huge financial savings for households and busineeses in their annual energy bils.

  In Gussing, there are approximately 1,100 directly employed because of its transition to energy self sufficiency.

  Those who participated on the trip were: Mayor Cllr. Michael O' Regan, Justin England (Town Clerk), Alison Wickham, (Secretary, Sustainable Clonakilty and Energy Working Group ) and fellow members Robert Lambert, Peter Madden, Cllr. Robert Walsh and Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin (PRO).

  Also on the trip were Trevor Buttimer, Managing Director of Clonakilty based Renewable Energy Management Systems Ltd. and Bob Hilliard, Hillback Developments. 

  See www.sustainableclon.com for further details.


Nov 12, 2008

Europe In Your Lunchtime (How The European Union Works!)


The European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Movement Ireland warmly invite you to a public meeting to explain how the European Union works.
 

If you'd like to know more about how Europe gets things done, but you're also pressed for time, then have lunch with us on Wednesday, November 19th.
 

Europe In Your Lunchtime

(How The European Union Works!)

 

Location:                   Jurys Hotel, Western Road, Cork

Time:                            12.30pm

Date:                            Wednesday, November 19th

Chairperson:            Pat Leahy, Sunday Business Post

 

Taking part:

Andrea Pappin, Executive Director, European Movement

Dr Mary C. Murphy, Department of Government, UCC

Dr Declan Walsh, Faculty of Law, UCC

 

 

Tea, coffee and sandwiches will be provided from 12.30pm, and the meeting will begin at 1pm. All are welcome to attend this open, public meeting. Please feel free to circulate this invitation to any person you feel may be interested in coming along.

 

Please RSVP (just so we know how many sandwiches to make!): barbara@q4pr.ie or on 01 4751444

 

Nov 3, 2008

Why are Robins so special?

Irish Wildlife Trust

CORK BRANCH


"Why are Robins so special?"


Talk on Thursday 6th November

by Gavin Fennessey

Time 7pm. Venue. SMA Hall, Wilton (next to church by shopping centre).

This will be a lively talk on Robins. Well worth listening to. Talk
followed by AGM(not compulsory). No charge but any donation
appreciated on the night.

For further details contact Gill on 087 2282040.

Oct 24, 2008

IPI Landscapes Lecture

The Cork Branch of the Irish Planning Institute is holding an evening lecture entitled 'Introduction to and some considerations of historic landscapes'

 

 

Speaker: Louise Harrington.

Venue: The Vision centre, North Main Street, Cork, Thursday October 30th @8pm. 

All welcome, entry charge of €5 to non-members

 

 

Any queries to Ross Palmer at Ross.Palmer@CorkCoCo.ie


Oct 22, 2008

GoCar CarSharing Trial Offer: All admin fee's are waived for the first three months...


Web: www.gocar.ie
________________________________________________________________________

To encourage as many of you as possible to join our GoCar CarSharing service we're making the following offer


1. NO registration fee.
2. NO admin fee for first three months.
3. ONE THIRD OFF your first three trips (upto a value of €20 per trip).


So essentially, if you join before Christmas there will be NO upfront charges


The only payments you'll be making are for the hours you drive and the kilometres you cover. 
Even then you'll be getting a reduction on your first three trips! 
Please see our trip calculator by clicking here - GoCar Trip Calculator.  See how cost effective CarSharing really is!

Our GoCar CarSharing service will save you time, money and hassle

If you live or work near one of our GoBases - Map showing GoBases in Cork - then there maybe no need to have or purchase your own car...
This is a risk & obligation free offer.  Our minimum contract period is for only one month.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions regarding our service.

Joining or finding out more about GoCar

Our online application form can be found here - JOIN GOCAR
Further Information can be found in the attached brochure or on our website - www.GoCar.ie
________________________________________________________________________

Thanking you for your time in reading this email.

Kind regards & bye for now

--
Michael Newham
Technical Director
GoCar CarSharing

Head Office:
Main Street, Cloughjordan,
Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
Tel: 00353 (0)505 42277

Cork Office:
Albert Quay House, Albert Quay,
Cork, Ireland.

Mobile: 00353 (0)87 668 7010
Email: mikenewham@gocar.ie
Skype: michaelnewham
Web: www.gocar.ie

GoCar is a business name of Mendes GoCar Limited. a company registered in Dublin, No. 241558 with registered office at the above Head Office address.

Oct 15, 2008

The National Waste Summit 2008


THE NATIONAL WASTE SUMMIT 2008

There's no time to waste!


In order to avoid massive fines from the EU, Ireland must meet its commitment to landfill significantly less waste - starting in 2010. With the deadline looming, the country has a major challenge on its hands.

This is the central issue at this November's National Waste Summit. Now in its 6th year, this event is Ireland's premier must-attend forum for the waste management industry.

Join your peers in Croke Park, Dublin, on the 26th and 27th Nov 2008.

Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to, question and debate the hottest issues in waste today with some of the most influential decision-makers in the waste management industry.

For further information and Registration Form - Click Here



Oct 13, 2008

Community peer-learning garden in west Cork

Anyone interested in a community peer-learning/ sharing and experimental garden? Possibly at An Sanctoir?

My thoughts are that we could develop a plot, meet say Saturday mornings – late morning! And do the various things one does in a garden at particular points in the year.

While there would probably need to be a core group who would give it some sort of shape both in terms of design and in terms of logistics, it would be open to all as a place to share skills, knowledge, etc., By keeping it going throughout the year, it would be an opportunity for the novice gardeners among us to learn in a fun, hands on environment, what to plant when and how, and then hopefully go home and do it!

Or we could rove to each other's gardens?

It might also be interesting to do the above in the context of learning how much one would need to grow to be self-sufficient, and maybe where the most critical gaps are in terms of what we can't produce here.

Reasons to get this project off the ground

We could grow lots of Food!
It might help some people get started on their own gardens.
It would be a nice way to socialize!
We could bring instruments and sing songs!
We could bring flasks of tea! And chocolate bars
We could learn how to build a shed for when it rains! And to keep our tools in. Or put up a polytunnel.
It could be a lot of fun!
We could experiment - Anybody tried growing cocoa beans in Ireland – this will be very important in the future.
More?
???????????
???????????

For me to be involved in such a project, it would be important that it be a group-managed experience, i.e. non-hierarchical, decisions made by consensus, or some approximation thereof, etc.

If you're interested, please e-mail or phone me - 028 25867

If there are 4 or 5 or more people interested, I will set up a first meeting to discuss possibilities.

Thanks for your time in reading this,

Catherine Cunningham

Harvest Supper at An Sanctoir

Dear Friend of An Sanctoir

You are hereby cordially invited to our Harvest Supper Celebration on Friday
17th October. This is to be a beautiful evening of food, company, and the
exchange of ideas about what is developing within the An Sanctoir project,
and how to get involved. Discover if there is anyone else in the community
with your particular passions.

Starts at 7pm and you are most welcome.

Check out www.ansanctoir. ie to find out what is going on at An Sanctoir.

"Be the difference you wish to see in the world." Ghandi

--
An Sanctoir - West Cork's holistic community centre and nature reserve

Oct 10, 2008

Biodiversity Fund announcement- deadline Nov 14th 2008

The Biodiversity Fund 2009 will shortly be opened for applications, to coincide with the timing of the Heritage Council's main grants programme (including the Wildlfie Grants Scheme) which will be advertised this weekend.

 

The objective of the Biodiversity Fund is to support site conservation and management for the enhancement of biodiversity at the local level. Applications are invited for capital projects for the management of sites to protect, conserve and enhance their importance for biodiversity. Projects must be completed by the end of November 2009.

 

Please note that this scheme is subject to appropriate levels of funding being made available by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Grants may be obtained by individuals, properly constituted non-profit organisations, local authorities, statutory institutions, academic institutions and private companies. The maximum grant award will not exceed €50,000, up to a maximum of 80% of the total project costs. All project proposals will be evaluated on a value-for-money basis.

 

All applications must be accompanied by any required consent forms from NPWS, land owners or other agencies, as relevant.

 

Full details on the criteria and application forms will be available on our website next week (www.heritagecouncil.ie) and from our office tel 056 770777.

 

All applications must be received at the Heritage Council offices, Church Lane, Kilkenny, by 5pm Friday November 14th 2008.

Oct 9, 2008

Forestry and Climate Change conference

The Irish Natural Forestry Foundation presents the following one day Conference:

 

"Mitigating climate change; The challenges and opportunities for forestry in Ireland"

 

Please find attached conference brochure and registration form for the INFF conference on November 5th in Cork.

 

Clicking this link will take you straight to the conference page on the INFF web-site  where you will find  a download-able pdf document giving more details of the presentations.

 

After a lot of research we are very pleased with the line up of speakers and believe that this will be an interesting, informative and stimulating day for all of those affected by Irish forestry.  Any organisations wishing to exhibit at the conference are encouraged to get in contact.

 

We would appreciate you passing these details onto anyone who might be interested in attending.

 

Hoping to see you on November the 5th.

Mike Holden

INFF Development Manager

E-mail:  mike@inff.ie

Telephone: 027 62855

http://www.inff.ie




Film about Brazilian Sustainable Town - Clonakilty

For further information/ comment, please contact Alison Wickham, Secretary, E: sustainableclon@ gmail.com, 023-35241.

SUSTAINABLE CLON

The next public meeting of Sustainable Clonakilty will take place at 8pm on this Wednesday (8th) evening in O' Donovan's Hotel.

A film about Curitiba in Brazil will be shown, introduced by committee member, Mark Holland, who has been there.

Curtiba is know as one of the most liveable cities in the world. With little money they seem to have got things right. It is an inspirational film and could be of great interest to all, and especially our planners and politicians.

"Cities should be a solution not a problem for human beings".

Fwd: Draft Cork City Biodiversity Plan

Cork City Council has prepared a Draft Biodiversity Action Plan for the City.  Biodiversity means the variety of life on earth.  It includes all living plants and animals whether rare or common as well as habitats, genetic variation and ecosystems.
 

The aim of the Draft Cork City Biodiversity Action Plan is:

"To promote the appreciation and enjoyment of Cork City's biodiversity amongst the people of the city and to identify, understand and conserve the biodiversity of the city for future generations"


 

Cork City Council is undertaking a consultation process to get the publics views and opinions on how the Biodiversity of the City should be protected and enhanced.  Copies of the Plan can be viewed or purchased at the Planning Desk of Cork City Council, and are available in the local libraries or on www.corkcityheritage.ie

 

Comments and submissions should be forwarded to:

Mr. Kevin Terry

Director of Services Planning and Development Directorate and City Engineer

Cork City Council

City Hall

Cork

or e-mail submissions to heritage@corkcity.ie

 

The closing date for the receipt of submissions is 5pm, Tuesday the 28th of October 2008.

 

For further details on the Draft Cork City Biodiversity Plan or for advice on making submission please email the Heritage Officer at heritage@corkcity.ie or Tel 021 4924086

 

 

 

 

 

Heritage Officer

Cork City Council

City Hall

Cork

Tel:  021 4924018

Fax: 021 4924712

 

Just One Talk

Declan Murphy from Clonakilty has been working with abandoned, homeless and deprived children in Nepal since 2004 when he set up the "Just One" charity. He initially went as part of his teaching course, but was so taken aback by the poverty, stayed on, and decided to do something about it.
He comes home for a few weeks every year, during which he spends most of his time visiting schools here who have made donations, and filling in the children and teachers with information about how their funds are making a difference.
He's been home for the last few weeks and goes back again on 20th October. On Thursday 16th he's doing a public meeting in Clonakilty during which he will show some film footage of his work. Perhaps you could help publicise this in any way you can. Many thanks.

Declan can be contacted on 087-6279653 if you need further information/ comment. Please note that he will be going to London this Thursday for 4 or 5 days, and may be out of coverage. His email is at the bottom of this article I've written for the Clonakilty page of this weeks Southern Star, which might be a good way to contact him while he's away........
Slán.

"JUST ONE" TALK

An illustrated talk and short film on the work of Clonakilty man Declan Murphy who founded the "Just One" charity will be held at O' Donovan's Hotel next Thursday 16th October at 8.30pm. Founded in 2004, "Just One" strives to actively promote and facilitate educational opportunities for disadvantaged and marginalized children in Nepal by working at a grass-roots level with the children, their families and their communities to implement a range of carefully developed culturally sensitive, sustainable initiatives.

Declan is currently home until 20th October when he returns to his work in Nepal. The meeting next week will give people in the Clonakilty area an opportunity to see at first hand how their donations are making a positive difference to some of the most deprived children in the world. Declan will give a commentary and take questions from the audience on the night.

The actual nature of his work continues to evolve while "Just One" strives not only to assist disadvantaged children gain access to educational opportunities, but also to address the underlying problems and the root cause which sees countless children in what remains one of the world's poorest countries being denied their basic human rights - adequate shelter, food and environment.

Presently the organisation has around 70 children under their wing and these vary from homeless street children, child-workers and family-based children who, without assistance of some sort, would face the very real risk of ending up either working for a living or living alone on the street.

"Family reunification is one of our primary aims for virtually all of the children receiving our educational support, monthly family visits are central to ensuring that our assistance is as effective as it could possibly be", he told the Clonakilty Notes. "The 24 families that we currently work with in this regard are visited by one of the two social workers who also work alongside me in our small office to ensure that these and many other aspects of our work receive adequate attention".

He expressed his sincere thanks to everyone who has helped and continues to help make it all possible: the hundreds of school children and students whose tremendous fund-raising efforts continue to amaze him; the dozens of principals and teachers who welcome him to their schools year after year on his annual trip home; the countless individuals, families and businesses who, time and time again, give their money, time, talents or expertise so generously and in so many ways. Declan can be contacted until next week on 087-6279653 or email him at dmurphy@just- one.org.

The website is www.just-one. org

__

Cycle Chic Fashion Show

For the first time in Ireland, the CYCLE CHIC Fashion Show will present how cycling can be fashionable and stylish. European and local designers will show you their latest innovations of trendy bikes, smart clothes and funky accessories. The event will take place on Saturday 1st of November 2008, from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm in the Millennium Hall (Cork City). The event is free and open to the public.

I am pleased to inform you that the CYCLE CHIC Fashion Show website http://www.cyclechic.org/ is now ready!  Please feel free to forward the link to anyone who could be interested by this event.

 

I hope I will see you there. Do no hesitate to contact me for further information on the event.

 

Kindest regards,

 

Gaelle Croisier

 

----------------------------

European Projects

Traffic Division, Cork City Council

VHI Building, South Mall,

Cork, Ireland

N  + 353 21 4924657

@ gaelle_croisier@corkcity.ie

 


Oct 2, 2008

Young Environmentalist Awards 2009 Free Teacher and Leader Training

ECO-UNESCO's

Young Environmentalist Awards 2009

Free Teacher and Leader Training

 

 

ECO UNESCO will be running a FREE training session for interested officers, teachers and youth leaders in Cork City Central Library on Thursday 9th October from 17.30 - 19.30

 

This session will introduce participants to running a YEA 2009 Local Environmental Action Project in schools or youth groups.

 

Introducing the 'YEA Six Steps', Environmental Activities, YEA Project Planning and Support

 

Places are limited so register your interest NOW – contact Karen Sheeran, YEA Coordinatoryea@ecounesco.ie, 003531 6625491

 

YEA 2009 – Celebrating 10 Years of ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards

Sep 30, 2008

NATIONAL FAIRTRADE WEEKEND IN CLONAKILTY A GREAT SUCCESS

NATIONAL FAIRTRADE WEEKEND IN CLONAKILTY A GREAT SUCCESS

The first ever Annual National Fairtrade Conference was held at the Quality Hotel Clonakilty last weekend and was a resounding success. Blessed with weather more typical of the traditional July's we used to get, over 80 delegates from towns and cities throughout the length and breath of Ireland enjoyed the conference and the West Cork hospitality to the full. This was the 6th annual conference, and was the first time ever that it spanned two days and came outside of Dublin . Earlier this year the Clonakilty Committee invited the national organisers to come to West Cork to coincide with Clonakilty's fifth anniversary as Ireland 's first Fairtrade Town .

At the end of last weeks conference, Clonakilty was awarded with the distinction of having the greatest range and availability of Fairtrade Products for purchase/consumptio n by the public of any town in the 32 counties. Chairperson Trevor Kingston and founding Chairperson, Jennifer Sleeman both beaming with pride, accepted the award of behalf of the town.

Over the course of the two days, the conference heard how there are now a total of 32 towns and cities with FT status, with this number likely to be near 40 by the end of the year. Several other communities are well on their way also to achieving status in 2009. During Fairtrade Fortnight in March of this year, Leinster house converted 100% to FT in it's restaurants, sending out a very positive and strong message. The www.fairtrade. ie website will be revamped this year, and in the E.U., there are 15 other countries involved    in the Fairtrade Towns campaign. From a relatively unheard of concept at the start of this century, the Fairtrade concept continues to make great strides at home and abroad, delegates were told by Melanie Drea of the National Office.

Carol Finlay from Dublin City Council outlined the campaign which saw Ireland 's capital city gaining FT status. In what was a huge logistical effort she explained how the campaign was truly grassroots, with the support of the local authority. Regular newsletters and talks with schools and groups saw the ordinary people gaining an understanding and giving support to Fairtrade.

Caroline Whelan, from Irish Aid and an officer in Minister Peter Powers office spoke of Irish government financial aid for Fairtrade related projects in developing countries, and Peter Gaynor head of Fairtrade Ireland , praised the government for "getting it right". He revealed that per capita, this country gives the most to Fairtrade projects and if the U.S.A. donated a comparative figure it would amount to 1 billion dollars.

Clonakilty's founding Chairperson Jennifer Sleeman, enthralled the visitors with her recounting of how Clonakilty started Fairtrade and became the first town in the country to gain official FT status in 2003. It's a story of how one persons passion for something can lead to "miracles" as she described the whole thing herself. She remembered the input of Fr. Gerard Galvin, Rev. Ian Jonas and Imelda Kingston of the original committee, and thanked them all for their dedication in those early days.

There were reports from the International Fairtrade Town Conference in Brussels earlier this year from Waterford delegate Lucy Whittle.

Carol Doyle who founded BelleEtik Fashion stores spoke of the connection between Fairtrade and fashion and how the two can marry very well.

With all this work on day one, the 80 or so guests enjoyed the superb dinner put on at the Quality Hotel on Friday evening. Rev. Ian Jonas led with a prayer before mealtime, thanking God for the food and the hands that grew it, prepared it and served it. Mayor of Clonakilty Cllr. Michael O' Regan, was present to welcome the visitors to Clonakilty and praised the ongoing work of the local committee. Chairperson Trevor Kingston welcomed everyone and took the opportunity to thank the many people who made not just the weekend such a success but Clonakilty Fairtrade story over the last five years. Peter Gaynor also lavished praise on all involved and lead the singing of "Happy Birthday Clonakilty" as the fifth birthday cake was cut.

On Saturday morning, a short film showing the Fairtrade Towns visit to Áras an Uachtarán during FT fortnight in March. This was followed by a speech by Lino Olivieri of Amnesty International who is also a member of the board of Fairtrade Ireland . Two Cork representative from the National Youth Council gave an indepth talk about Child Protection in relation to FT groups working with young people in schools and on projects. After the coffee break Dunstan Burke of the National Office have and update on Fairtrade Business and expansion, and Melanie Drea also of the FT Office went into detail about the updated registration forms and certification mark.

Alan Clayton of the Kinsale FT committee gave talk and slide show of his visit to Malawi earlier this year, in which it was illustrated how Fairtrade makes such a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people in developing countries.

The conference concluded with the annual Fairtrade Town Awards. Belfast go the award for the most imaginative promotion of Fairtrade Products. They got Belfast Zoo to feed the animals Fairtrade Bananas!!! Ballymun in Dublin received the overall award for it's work in promoting FT, and despite many odds achieving official status this year. And the host town, Clonakilty was awarded with the recognition that it is the town in the country with the most and widest available choice of Fairtrade produce in shops and restaurants. Trevor Kingston and Jennifer Sleeman proudly accepted the presentation.

After lunch delegates not in a hurry home were picked up and given a complimentary spin on the Choo Choo which they thoroughly enjoyed. The thirty or so were greatly impressed by the town, as it looked resplendent in the "summer" sunshine. Many of the delegates are going to be returning on private visits to the town in the future and indeed as a result of what they experienced last weekend, a few actually decided at the last moment to stay on another night to experience the town.

All in all it was a very enjoyable and beneficial experience for the local Fairtrade Committee and the wider community. Thanks is expressed to the Quality Hotel Management and Staff, Model Village Management, Clonakilty Town Council who provided some funding for the weekend events, and all the businesses who continue to stock and serve FT produce to their customers, and the shoppers who buy it. In our little corner of the word, we are making a difference to producers in the Third World by guaranteeing them a fair price every time we purchase a products with the Fairtrade symbol on it.

Clonakilty FT Committee would welcome more people to get involved, and if interested please contact Trevor Kingston on 086-3384863 or any committee member on fairtrade@clonakilty.ie


Sep 12, 2008

Stories from the Soil, Stories from the Sea

I thought you might be interested in learning about a novel food
culture experience - Stories from the Soil, Stories from the Sea
eating sessions on Friday 19th September in Skibbereen. The event is
being organised by ourselves at West Cork LEADER Co-op and is part of
the Taste of West Cork Food Festival. We'll be sitting down to on
three occasions during the day to dine on local seasonal food and
listen to the personal stories of 2 local producers at each sitting.

Diane Curtin will be on hand to guide diners and introduce the
speakers. Diane is a journalist and chef and is deeply involved with
food in West Cork, particularly through Slow Food. She recently
published her own book The Creators, which combines the life stories
of farmers and food producers in West Cork with enjoyable recipes.

The breakfast session focuses on fish and we will hear from Sally
Barnes of Woodcock Smokery and Frank Fleming, a fisherman from
Crosshaven. Sally is one of Ireland's most highly acclaimed artisan
producers and has been smoking fish in Castletownshend since 1981. She
has an unswerving commitment to producing the very highest quality
food. Like everyone else involved in seafood though, her business has
had to cope with turmoil and uncertainty. Frank Fleming has been
fishing with his brother Martin for 24 years. They concentrate largely
on catching prawns. Frank has strong views about the future of fishing
and is committed to finding positive solutions to many of the
industry's current dilemmas.

Lunch will have a bovine theme with talks from Paul Johnson of the
Traditional Meat Company and Bill Hogan of West Cork Natural Cheese.
Paul rears Dexter cattle on his farm near Dunmanway. Dexters are a
rare breed of cattle native to this part of Ireland and as such are
uniquely well adapted to live in harmony with our environment. Bill
Hogan is one of our foremost cheesemakers, he and Sean Ferry produce
Gabriel and Desmond Cheese. Bill is a real champion for the small
producer and the importance of food for rural areas.

The final session of the day will be afternoon tea, a chance to enjoy
some very fine baking and patisserie with Jean Domican from Buns 'n
Stuff in Macroom. Jean will be joined by food historian Diarmuid Ó
Drisceoil, who besides writing the fascinating history of Cork's
English Market, also spins a great tale.

Places for each session are limited so I would advise booking early by
calling West Cork LEADER Co-op at 023-34035, tickets cost €15 per
person.

The Stories sessions will be followed at 5pm by the launch of a new
food map of West Cork by West Cork LEADER Co-op. The map presents the
area as a photo montage of food and is bursting with colourful images
of cheeses, fish, fruits, cattle and fowl. The map will be used by
local retailers promoting food from West Cork and will also be
available to local schools as an educational resource. As part of the
launch I have been asked to present some of the stories from my Food
Culture column. This is a free event, so come along if you'd like to
hear more about the people I've met in researching this column and the
part they play in creating such a thriving food culture in West Cork.

Sep 9, 2008

SEI/City Energy Agency Home Energy Saving Pilot Scheme

Cork City Energy Agency would like to bring to attention an ad we
recently ran in the Echo. Cork City Council, through the Cork City
Energy Agency is seeking householders to partake in a home energy
saving pilot scheme funded by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The
purpose of the scheme is to improve the energy efficiency of homes and
to investigate what economies of scale are achievable when a group of
householders (cluster) come together to install common energy measures
through a single installer.

Summary of the Grant Scheme

- Grants of up to 30% of the capital costs and to a maximum of €2000
- All homes may have an energy assessment carried out and an energy
saving report will cost the householder €100
- Grants will be available for wall, attic or roof insulation, heating
controls and double glazing.
- The cluster member does not have carry out all the energy saving
measures. They can choose which measures they require and can afford.
- Landlords and owners of multiple properties may also apply.
- Each cluster member must complete an expression of interest form
which will be provided to you by the Cork City Energy Agency.
- Cork City Council through the Cork City Energy Agency will act as a
project manager for the pilot cluster.

Funding for the pilot cluster is limited in 2008. All remedial works
must be completed by the end of November 2008, and Cork City Energy
Agency encourages early expressions of interest as they will be
treated on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you require further
information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards

John

John Walsh

Energy Agency Manager

Cork City Energy Agency

Lifetime Lab

Lee Rd.

Cork

Ph: +353 (0)21 4941508

Fax: +353 (0)21 4941519

Web: www.corkcity.ie/ccea

Sep 8, 2008

Hemp Plaster Course

Hempbuilding is proud to announce the latest hemp plastering course with Steve Allin hemp building expert scheduled for Saturday 25th October 2008.

The course will include a presentation on the uses of hemp-lime in the Hemp construction system and the chance to get hands on experience with tuition on the mixing application and finishing of hemp plaster.

Course cost €90, held at Rusheens, Kenmare, Co.Kerry, starts 9.00 am - finish 4.30 pm.  Lunch 12.30 -1.30 and coffee/tea breaks included in price.

To book send email to ; hempbuilding@eircom.net


Sep 3, 2008

West Cork singing group starting autumn term

Acapellabella- West Corks World Music Community Choir is starting up again for their autumn term on the following dates: An Sanctoir, Ballydehob Thurs. 11th Sept. 8.15-10.15pm and O'Donovans' Hotel, Clonakilty Weds. 24th Sept. 10.30am-12.30pm. Both groups meet weekly.

New members are always welcome. A wide variety of cultures and styles explored, with occasional optional projects such as recording and performance.

For more info. Contact Caz on 028 25978 or email cazjeffreys@ gmail.com


Aug 27, 2008

Electric Picnic working to achieve Eco-librium

In the light of responsibility we all have to address our impact on climate change, POD Concerts & Aiken Promotions have announced details of a range of environmental measures to be implemented at this years' Electric Picnic. As well as the introduction of a large number of eco-friendly initiatives for this year's Picnic, 2008 marks the launch of a long term Sustainability Strategy to make the Electric Picnic one of the most 'Low Carbon' festivals in the world...

A new area, the Global Green, has been created at this year's festival. This will be the place at the festival to relax and reflect. The area will feature Amnesty's Tea and Bingo Hall, eco-fashion, demonstrations of renewable energy such as wind & solar power, Trocaire, Friends of the Earth, green crafts, and the launch of the EmissionZero carbon calculator. Stop Climate Chaos, Change and others will be active in the Global Green and Cultivate's 'Re-Think Tank' will be the place to open your mind with cutting edge short films and art.

Cultivate's Rethink Tank - Electric Picnic 2008

  29-31 August | The climate is changing … will you?

See full programme of events

Cultivate's rethinktank will be the place in the Global Green at the Electric Picnic to relax and be inspired with cutting edge short films, talks, debates, exhibits and art that will inform and entertain you. Slowdown and take in some good organic food, subtle beats, and reflect on a better world.

At the hub of the Global Green in the rethinktank, Cultivate presents:

Rethink.. the future and the way we live.

Redress.. ideas for ethical fashion.

Reform.. the latest in eco-design.

Re-engage.. artists and designers come together around critical issues.

The Carbon Confession Box.. calculate your carbon footprint and relieve your carbon conscience by confessing your carbon sins.

Friday 

19.00 The Powerdown Show - The Challenge Ahead   

Cultivate's Powerdown TV Show is a series of ten twenty minute programmes that aim to inform individuals and groups on the context and responses to climate change and peak oil.  www.cultivate.ie

19.30  Design Anarchy - The Uncommercials from Adbusters   

Short films and art from Adbusters, a magazine that details the work of culture jammers from all over the world who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age.  www.adbusters.org

20.00  The Story of Stuff - Short Film by Free Range Studios   

Written and presented by Annie Leonard, this film takes you on a provocative tour of our consumer-driven culture, from resource extraction to iPod incineration. It'll teach you something. It'll make you laugh.  www.storyofstuff.com

21.00  One World Sounds - DJ Set with William Softly

www.oneworldsounds.com

23.00  Design Revolutionaries  - Creativity with a Conscience   

While other creative agencies work to sell products, Freerange work to sell ideas that build a more just and sustainable world. They believe the right stories told in revolutionary ways can transform society.  www.freerangestudios.com

Saturday

11.30  World Café Discussion - Climate's Changing. How Will We?   

The British Council's Challenge Europe Climate Champions lead a World Café discussion on the question of this year's Electric Picnic.

12.00  The Powerdown Show - The Power Of Community   

The second episode of Cultivate's Powerdown TV Show, a series of ten twenty minute programmes that aim to inform individuals and groups on the context and responses to climate change and peak oil. www.cultivate.ie 

12.20  Skilling Up For Powerdown - Turning Crisis Into Opportunity   

How should we respond to climate change and high energy prices?  Davie Philip, Cultivate's education manager and the co-ordinator of the Transition Network in Ireland, explores the vision of Transition Initiatives.  www.cultivate.ie

13.00    Eco Black Eye -  Duncan Stewart on Ireland's Environmental Performance   

Duncan Stewart, the award-winning architect and well-known TV presenter, gives this short no-holds-barred presentation exploring how Ireland can improve its green and clean image. www.easca.ie

13.30    The Climate is Changing. Will You?    Creatively Communicating Climate Change   

Minister Eamon Ryan, Duncan Stewart (Eco Eye), John Gibbons (Irish Times), Andrea Carroll (EmissionZero), Jim Gannon from (Change, RPS) and Eric c. Lohela (Sustainability Consultant USA) join Cultivate's Davie Philip and others for a discussion on how we can creatively get the message across on the issue of climate change.

15.00    Change your World. Change the World  - The Change Campaign   

Jim Gannon from RPS and the Change Campaign outlines Irelands plan of action on climate change. www.change.ie

15.30    Design Outlaw  -  The Life of Buckminster Fuller   

Designer, architect, engineer, inventor and philosopher, Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) was undeniably one of the key innovators of the 20th century. Michael John Gorman, author of "Buckminster Fuller: Designing for Mobility", gives an illustrated presentation on the life of Fuller, the creator of the geodesic dome and champion of autonomous living.

16.00    What the F**K is Sustainability  - The Natural Step   

The Natural Step is a simple science-based tool for analysing the complex issues associated with sustainable development. John Harrington outlines the system conditions that must be met in order to have a sustainable society.

16.30    Sustainable Development My Ass!   - Just How Unsustainable We Are   

Gavin Harte (sustainability consultant, former national director of An Taisce and the founder of the Village project) explores how sustainable we are and what we will need to do to weather the storms approaching.

17.00    Fashion Evolution    Ethical Fashion – You Are What You Wear!   

Constance Harris from the Sunday Independent joins Re-dress, EDUN, Olivia Hegarty, Deirdre Harte, Rediscovery Centre and the Science Gallery to discuss what it means to make ethical fashion choices. www.re-dress.ie

18.15    Biomimicry – Designs From Nature  - Short Film from TED   

In this inspiring talk about recent developments in biomimicry, Janine Benyus provides heartening examples of ways in which nature is already influencing the products and systems we build. www.ted.com

18.45    Design Revolutionaries  -  Creativity with a Conscience   

A selection of short films from North America's Freerange Studios. www.freerangestudios.com

19.45    Earthling VJ / DJ Set  -  With Just Multimedia and Pat Best   

20.45    Media The Matters  -  Short Films for a Better World   

The Media That Matters Film Festival is the premier showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day.
www.mediathatmattersfest.org

21.00    Six Ways Mushrooms can Save the World  -  Short Film from TED   

Paul Stamets'  has filed 22 patents for mushroom-related technologies, including pesticidal fungi that trick insects into eating them and mushrooms that can break down the neurotoxins used in nerve gas. www.ted.com

22.20    Design Anarchy -   The Uncommercials from Adbusters   

Short films and art from Adbusters, a magazine that details the work of culture jammers from all over the world who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age.  www.adbusters.org

Sunday 

12.00    World Café Discussion  - Deconstructing Dinner: What is a Low Carbon Diet?   

The British Council's Challenge Europe Climate Champions lead a World Café on the question of local food.

12.30    Get Growing!   - Supporting Local Food Production and Consumption   

An exploration into our options for local community food systems with Trevor Sargent, Minister for Food and Horticulture, Sarah Fleming (Healthy Food For All), Matt Mills and Kaz Jeffries (Sustain West Cork) and the British Council's Challenge Europe Climate Champions.

13.00    What Will We Eat as the Oil Runs Out?  -  Transition Towns and Local Food   

Trevor Sargent, Minister for Food and Horticulture joins Transition Town groups and local food advocates for a discussion on local food initiatives. Transition Towns is a new process for building community resilience in the face of climate change and oil depletion. Pioneered in Kinsale and Totnes, Devon, it is now being implemented in 800 communities around the world.

14.00    The Powerdown Show  -  The Power Of Community   

Cultivate's Powerdown TV Show is a series of ten twenty minute programmes that aim to inform individuals and groups on the context and responses to climate change and peak oil. www.cultivate.ie

14.30    Building Resilient Community  -  The Cloughjordan Eco-Village   

Davie Philip and Gregg Allen outline the experience of being involved in The Village project.  As a living community, The Village will demonstrate renewable energy, ecological building, local food production, natural health care, community-level governance, and play a part in conserving the genetic biodiversity of Ireland. www.thevillage.ie

15.00    Surfing The Green Wave  - Sustainable Living in California   

North American blogger and sustainability consultant Eric C. Lohela will give this presentation on the implementation of sustainability in the USA.  www.ecosplatter.blogspot.com  

15.30    Edenbee Global Swarming   - Eco Social Networking   

An exploration with Dave Hayes of Edenbee into a hive of hot ideas on how social networking can help keep our planet a cool place to live!  www.edenbee.ie

16.00    Artivism   -  Contemporary Street Art   

Irish stencil activist Will St. Ledger presents a rogue show of contemporary street art that communicates critical issues.

16.30    Stop Climate Chaos   -  2 Degrees or Less   

avin Harte, Sustainability Consultant and Niamh Garvey, Climate Change researcher at Trócaire introduce the Stop Climate Chaos coalition and the need for an agreement to keep the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees C or less.

17.00    Global Citizen  -  What Does this Mean in the 21st Century?   

In the context of human rights, climate change and an unraveling global economy what does being a Global Citizen mean today? With Tara O'Leary, (International Association for Community Development, IACD), Nick Wilding, (Carnegie UK Trust), Eric C. Lohela (Sustainability Consultant USA) Noelenn Hartigan (Amnesty) and Dr. Cathy McGuire (Friends of the Earth).

18.00    Global Lunchbox   -  Exploring Peak Oil   

Featuring a short documentary on the history of oil, this 'lunchbox' will explain Peak Oil, why it is such an important issue, and what positive opportunities this crisis may bring.  www.futureproofkilkenny.org (A Transition Town Initiative)

18.30    Sustainable Development My Ass  -  Just How Unsustainable We Are   

Sustainability consultant, former national director of An Taisce and the founder of the Village project, Gavin Harte explores how sustainable we are and what we will need to do to weather the storms approaching.

19.00    Being Human VJ/DJ Set  -  With Davie Philip and Geoff Fitzpatrick   

A transformational journey in sound and vision.

20.00    Future Sounds DJ Set  -  With Steve Reddy   

21.30    Design Revolutionaries   -  Creativity with a Conscience   

A selection of short films and viral media from North America's Freerange Studios and Adbusters.
www.freerangestudios.com and www.adbusters.org

Saturday & Sunday in the Marquee

12.00 - 24.00    Ethical Fashion - You Are What You Wear
(information and exhibits on ethical fashion)

14.00 - 17.00   Ongoing workshops:

  • Make Your Own Slogan T-Shirt with Re-dress
  • Tent Workshop with Olivia Hegarty and Deirdre Harte (turn last year's tents into this year's fashion)
  • Pimp your T-Shirt with the Science Gallery's LED Workshop
  • Craft a Patchwork Map of Africa with EDUN LIVE
  • Turn Waste into Fashion with Designers from the Rediscovery Centre Ballymun