The inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Greystones Municipal District Community Climate Action Team took place on Thursday, 12th February, at Greystones Golf Club. The meeting brought together representatives from community groups, sports clubs, businesses, local organisations and residents from Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killincarrig.

The Team has been established to support and coordinate community-led climate action across the Greystones Municipal District and to develop a Community Climate Action Plan for the area.

The meeting was opened by the Cathaoirleach of the Greystones Municipal District, Cllr. Lourda Scott, who welcomed attendees and acknowledged the importance of community leadership in responding to climate change. Speaking at the event, Cllr. Scott said: “As our county has recently experienced, climate action is one of the most important challenges facing our communities, and it is encouraging to see such strong engagement from across the Greystones Municipal District. The establishment of this Team creates a valuable platform for community groups, sports clubs, local businesses and the local authority to work together, share ideas and develop practical solutions that support sustainability and build resilience at a local level. Community involvement is essential if we are to deliver meaningful climate action and build a sustainable future for our towns and villages.”

The AGM formally established the Team and adopted its constitution. Officers were elected to lead the Team’s work, including Rob Mooney as Chair, Keith Scanlon as Vice-Chair, Mark Costello as Secretary, Adam Caliham as Vice-Secretary and Cllr. Louise Fenlon Gaskin as Treasurer, with additional Executive Team members Cllr. Lourda Scott and Justin Ivory.

The Team will focus on developing a Community Climate Action Plan that will identify achievable local actions across key areas including energy efficiency, sustainable transport, biodiversity enhancement, waste reduction, water conservation and community engagement. The plan will be developed through collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure it reflects the priorities and strengths of the community.

Mark Costello, Wicklow County Council Climate Action Coordinator, outlined the proposed approach to preparing the Community Climate Action Plan and emphasised the importance of partnership between the local authority and community organisations. Mark highlighted that strong community participation will be essential in delivering meaningful and lasting climate action at local level.

The meeting also provided an overview of funding opportunities available to support community climate projects. Presentations were delivered on the Community Climate Action Programme and the Greystones Reusable Cup Scheme. Pat Sammon and Pamela McCann from Codling Wind Park also provided an update on the project and outlined opportunities associated with the Community Benefit Fund, which aims to support local sustainability initiatives.

Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, welcomed the establishment of the Team and emphasised the importance of community collaboration in climate action. She said: “Local communities play a critical role in helping to deliver climate action. Initiatives such as the Greystones Municipal District Community Climate Action Team demonstrate the strong partnerships that exist between Wicklow County Council and the communities we serve. By supporting community groups, sports clubs and local businesses to develop and deliver local climate initiatives, we are strengthening our collective ability to respond to climate challenges while also enhancing the quality of life across our county.”

The establishment of the Team builds on the success of the three previous Community Climate Action Forums held in the area and represents an important milestone in strengthening local climate leadership and collaboration.

The Team will now begin progressing its work programme, including stakeholder engagement, project identification and the preparation of funding applications to support community-led climate initiatives.

Image: Members of the Greystones MD Community Climate Action Team with Pat Sammon and Pamela McCann of Codling Wind Park at the at the Greystones MD Area Climate Action AGM in Greystones Golf Club. Photo credit: Mick Kelly