In March 2024, Fingal County Council published a new the Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 . Setting out their mission “To Deliver ambitious measurable and effective climate actions through inclusion and engagement , capacity building , leadership and by example.
The plan acknowledges ‘Community Engagement’ as a core target for supporting the broader vision of Fingal becoming Carbon Neutral by 2050.
As lead driver of the Keen To Be Green project, the Community Development Department have continued to collaborate with various departments throughout 2024 to promote participation and secure community engagement.
Through the continued support of the community development department, Fingal Community Facilities Network and the Keen To Be Green Working Group Donabate & Portrane Community Centre held a very successful Green Festival in July. Packed full of workshops and demonstrations that made for a very engaging event.
As we head into Climate Action Week which takes place from the 9th to the 15th of September , it is great to see Flemington Community Centre deliver their own Green Festival. Building on previous collaborations and learning from what has worked previously this too promises to be a very interactive event with a full agenda of Workshops and Demonstrations from Cool Food School, Global Action Plan , Rediscovery Centres Bike Repair Team , a composting and upcycling furniture demo there will be something for everyone. On that note, let’s have a quick recap of all the Keen to Be Green focused initiatives that have been supported so far in 2024 .
Keen To Be Green in 2024
Tree Week 2024 – Fingal Community Centre: Orchard Project Coordinated in collaboration with Fingal’s Operations Department, community centres across Fingal, planted a selection of fruit trees within their grounds including; Apple , Pear , Plum and Cherry Trees to promote biodiversity.
Education & Learning The Keen to Be Green Working Group visited the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun for a work-planning session and to learn more about their circular economy initiatives including; Rediscover Fashion and Rediscover Paint.
Keen to be Green – Green Festivals Since 2023, a number of Green Festivals have been held in Community Centres across Fingal including; Mulhuddart Community Centre in D15 and Donabate & Portrane Community Centre in the North County. With activities including; Fast Fashion, Cool Food and Bicycle Repair Workshops
Fast Fashion Workshops & Swop Shops
Castaheaney Community Centre as part of a Fast Fashion Workshop hosted a well attended Swap Shop in the centre. Supported by the local women’s shed, there are now plans in place to hold a specific costume swapping event for local children in anticipation of Halloween.
Whats Next ?
The Next Green Festival is scheduled to take place during Climate Action Week on Saturday the 14th of September in Flemington Community Centre , Balbriggan . In what promises to be an engaging and informative event the centre will host a number of Workshops throughout the morning including a Cool Food School, Bike Tattoo and Pannier workshops. Upcycling Furniture and Composting Demos there will be something for everyone.
Safer Halloween As we look forward to darker evenings and Halloween events I would encourage all centres to prioritise and consider the Keen to Be Green agenda by incorporating activities with an environmental focus such as Costume Swap Shops or make your own Costume workshops into any events you are organising.
