Green Skibbereen CLG has announced plans to launch a major initiative in early 2021 for climate action and sustainability in West Cork when the group will announce it’s proposal for a new Centre of Excellence for Climate Action Sustainability in West Cork. The group are currently pursuing EU H2020 funding for upgrading the facility and are working with prospective educational and community partners in Cork. The launch will take place online at a public webinar on February 1st, 2020 at 7pm. A membership scheme and donor programme for the new centre will also be launched at this event.
“As we emerge from the Covid 19 pandemic, with hopeful news on the development and roll out of vaccines we feel that 2021 also offers the opportunity to build back better on sustainability and climate action,” said the group’s chairperson, Jim O’Donnell.
Director, Ana Ospina said, “There is so much more we hope to achieve in the pursuit of a greener future for West Cork. Our event on 1st February, which is Imbolc, or the Feast of St Brigid, marks the first day of Spring, and a new beginning. We feel this is the appropriate time to launch our exciting programme of activities for the coming year and beyond”.
‘Green Skibbereen was established following a public meeting in the West Cork Hotel in November 2019. This event inspired a small group of local people with a shared passion for sustainability and a vision to come together to promote climate action in West Cork Hotel and to work with other interested groups and individuals. A not for profit company was established comprising founding members of the group – Jim O’Donnell (O’Donnell Furniture) & Noel Casserly (Smart Earth) and new co-directors Jose Ospina (Carbery Housing Association). Trish Lavelle (Project Manager and Educator) and Brendan McCormack (Business and Marketing Consultant), formerly of the Save Our Skibbereen (SOS) campaign, and Ana Ospina (Operations Manager of Carbery Housing Association and Creative Producer).