Tuesday, 22nd April 2025
Representatives from various community and sports groups gathered for Greystones’ second Climate Action Forum, held at Greystones Golf Club on Saturday 12th April, from 2-5pm. The event, organised by Wicklow County Council, welcomed participants from Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Killincarrig, Newcastle, and Newtown Mount Kennedy.
Building on the success of the inaugural forum held in Burnaby Park last September, which was led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with support from Wicklow County Council and the Bray and North Wicklow Area Partnership, this event continued to foster collaboration and momentum around local climate action.
The forum was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of the Greystones Municipal District, Cllr. Tom Fortune. He praised Rob Mooney from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for his leadership in launching the forum and commended Wicklow County Council for advancing the initiative.
"Events like these are essential," Cllr. Fortune remarked. "They help shine a light on success stories, inspire others to get involved, and create vital connections across individuals and community groups working towards a shared goal of making our community more sustainable and climate-resilient. They also remind us that we are not working alone, but as part of a larger, passionate community striving for a better future."
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive Emer O’Gorman echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m delighted with the success of the Climate Action Community Forum held in Greystones. Events like this highlight the incredible passion, innovation, and commitment that exist in our communities when it comes to tackling climate change. From grassroots groups to sporting organizations, it’s inspiring to see so many people come together to build a greener, more sustainable future for all.
This forum wasn’t just about sharing ideas; it was about creating real momentum and forging meaningful connections. The level of engagement and enthusiasm shown proves that climate action is not just a responsibility—it’s a community opportunity. Together, we are laying the groundwork for lasting change, and the council looks forward to continuing this important journey with all of you."
The forum featured a series of insightful presentations on key climate topics, including:
- Dr. Robert Mooney (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications) – An update on the Climate Action Works Programme
- Aadarsh Das (Moby E-Mobility) – Demonstration of the e-mobility bike scheme coming to Greystones
- Liz Dillon (Greystones Tidy Towns) – The potential impact of reusable cup schemes such as 2 Go Cups on waste reduction
- Julie Sammiller – Overview of the Community Climate Action Programme
- Olive Farrell (Éire Óg Greystones) – Insights on how the club is becoming more sustainable
- Mide O’Sullivan – The benefits of the GAA Green Clubs Programme
- Simon Whelan (Wicklow SEC Mentor) – How sports clubs can benefit as a Sustainable Energy Community
- Deirdre Joyce (Codling Wind Park Community Liaison Officer) – Information on the potential future with the Community Benefit Fund
- Alison Keogh (Wicklow Partnership) – Funding programmes available for community groups
During the event, attendees were polled on their views about climate change and local sustainability:
- 50% said they were alarmed, with 25% anxious and a further 25% unsettled by climate change
- 93% said they would use or consider using the upcoming e-mobility bike scheme
- 94% said they would use a reusable cup or participate in a 2 Go Cup scheme to reduce disposable cup waste
- 94% expressed a desire for sports clubs and community groups to adopt more sustainable practices
- 97% said they would consider making greener choices at home or in their community
- Over 80% believed it is still possible to reverse the worst impacts of climate change
The strong turnout and high level of engagement at the forum reflect a growing commitment among local community groups and sports clubs to work together toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient future for the Greystones area.
Picture: (L to R) Deirdre Joyce (Community Benefit Fund – Codling Wind Park), Simon Whelan (Sustainable Energy Communities Programme for Sports Clubs), Mark Costello (Climate Change Coordinator Wicklow County Council), Tom Fortune (Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District), Liz Dillon (Greystones 2 Go Cup Scheme), Justin Ivory (Local Authority Waters Programme), Mide O’Sullibhan (Green Clubs Programme for Greystones), Alison Keogh (Wicklow Partnership), Aadarsh Das (Moby E-Mobility Bikes), Julie Sammiller (Community Climate Action Programme Wicklow County Council), Cllr Orla Finn, Olive Farrell (Eire Og GAA Experience of Programme), Dr. Robert Mooney (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications Update) and Cllr Lourda Scott. Photo credit Mick Kelly.