COMMUNITY LEADS THE WAY AT THE THIRD GREYSTONES CLIMATE ACTION FORUM
The third Community Climate Action Forum for the Greystones Municipal District took place on Saturday, 27th September, at Greystones Golf Club. The event drew a strong turnout from sports clubs, community groups, local businesses and residents from Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killincarrig.
Organised by Wicklow County Council, the forum was part of Wicklow’s Climate Action Week, which coincided with Ireland’s fourth Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week.
The event was officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, who welcomed all participants and highlighted the forum’s growing role in fostering local climate leadership: “Forums like this are about more than just updates and presentations. They are about connection, bringing together sports clubs, businesses, community groups and residents to share knowledge, experiences and practical solutions. Over the past year, this series has evolved from an idea into a platform where partnerships are formed and action begins to take shape. Together, we are building a local network of climate action that has the potential to influence, inspire and support communities across North Wicklow.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added, “Wicklow’s landscapes, coastline, and biodiversity are among the county’s greatest assets, but they also make us vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. That is why forums like this are so important. They give us the chance to bring people together, share solutions, and strengthen our communities’ capacity to adapt and thrive. Climate action is not just about reducing emissions, it’s about creating healthier, safer, and more sustainable places to live and work, for this generation and the next.”
Theresa O’Brien, Director of Services added, “The strong turnout at today’s forum demonstrates the real appetite within our communities to play their part in climate action. Local voices are central to delivering change, and Wicklow County Council is committed to supporting community groups, sports clubs, and businesses in accessing the programmes, funding, and guidance they need. By working together, we can turn ambition into action and ensure Wicklow continues to lead as a county of climate resilience and innovation.”
The day’s program featured a diverse panel of speakers, including:
- Philip Boucher-Hayes, RTÉ journalist, discussing the climate challenges facing Ireland
- Ruth Kidney, presenting on the work of the Greystones Town Team
- Michelle Phillips, highlighting community engagement programs from the Bray and North Wicklow Area Partnership
- Olivia Knight from the Education and Training Board, discussing the role of education in building sustainability skills in our business sector
- Julie Sammiller, speaking on the Community Climate Action Programme and the Greystones Reusable Cup Scheme
- Olive Farrell, showcasing how local sports clubs are leading in sustainability
- Adam Calihman, representing Greystones Tidy Towns and launching a Solar Meitheal by the Greystones Sustainable Energy Community
- Mark Costello, providing an update on Climate Action within the Municipal District.
Interactive workshops encouraged participants to reflect on the future direction of the forum and to explore practical ways to accelerate community-led climate action across North Wicklow.
Building on the inaugural event held in Burnaby Park in 2023 and the second forum hosted in April 2024, this third gathering reinforced the forum’s role as a catalyst for collaboration, inspiration and action.
Attendees left with renewed commitment and enthusiasm, with many emphasising the importance of local partnerships and leadership in tackling the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change.