Launch of Eco Business Ireland
Local Authority Prevention Network programme for East Cork
The Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN), was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the National Waste Prevention Programme. The purpose of this initiative is to build capacity in the Local Authorities for the promotion of resource efficiency and waste prevention at a local level. This EPA initiative is providing financial and technical support to Local Authorities to tackle the challenge of waste prevention in partnership with businesses, public organisations and communities in their area.
Cork County Council in partnership with South & East Cork Area Development were successful in receiving a grant aid to develop and implement a programme to encourage small & medium size enterprises, in South & East Cork, to reduce their consumption of raw materials, water and energy. This programme will facilitate the placement of a Waste Prevention Officer in SECAD Headquarters in Midleton. The role of the Waste Prevention Officer is to promote, advise and guide small to medium size enterprises in South & East Cork on waste prevention, and water/energy conservation.
In 2010, it is anticipated that an Environmental Training Programme, based on the successful model developed by Macroom E and the Clean Technology Centre, will be initiated for businesses. From it, businesses will learn how to reduce waste disposal costs, implement best practice in waste management, lower energy costs and reduce their water charges.
In addition, public sector buildings in the East Cork area are also invited to partake in the programme. The Council's climate change strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions by 33% not later than 2020. This waste minimisation & prevention programme will assist in fulfilling this target.
Clean Technology Centre at Cork Institute of Technology will provide technical support and mentor the programme. Clean Technology Centre has extensive experience in implementing prevention programmes.
The Waste Prevention Officer can be contacted, by phone on 021 4621184, between 9.30am and 10.30am Monday to Thursday and by e-mail: ecobusiness@secad.ie
