Category Archives: economy

The Cost of Participating

I’ve been invited to attend a policy design workshop in Dublin. Excellent initiative for shared visioning and policy framework building. This is my initial reply. Anyone identify? I’d love your comments and suggestions on this! “I’d love to attend and know that a rural transition voice engaged in public participation is important and will benefitContinue reading “The Cost of Participating”

Irish Policy – Balance of Power to Input

Do you think profit driven companies should run the country? Do you trust politicians and civil servants to act in the best interests of society and future generations? I recently attended an Environmental Pillar review. During that time I was reminded of the role I have found myself in. A role I never for one second imagined forContinue reading “Irish Policy – Balance of Power to Input”

Empowering the Disempowered

I left my children on Monday November 3rd before heading to Dublin. When I eventually left Dublin Wednesday morning I drove home with tears streaming down my face. I cried for about two hours. It reminded me of that day in February 2013 when I started writing in rhyme following a realisation that just leftContinue reading “Empowering the Disempowered”

NESC National and Economic Social Council workshop “Wind Energy in Ireland: The Challenge of Community Engagement and Social Acceptance”

NESC National and Economic Social Council workshop “Wind Energy in Ireland: The Challenge of Community Engagement and Social Acceptance” I am only going to report on the input I had to this workshop on February 28th 2014, as I did not seek agreement from the other attendees to quote them. During my introduction I agreedContinue reading “NESC National and Economic Social Council workshop “Wind Energy in Ireland: The Challenge of Community Engagement and Social Acceptance””

Community “Acceptance”

I attended the Irish Renewable Energy Summit 2014 on February 20th. I found it to be a lot of corporate back slapping and happy talk. Everyone was delighted with their little patch and the bigger picture but absolutely baffled by the challenge of “community acceptance”. As I explained to a couple of folk from SEAIContinue reading “Community “Acceptance””

National Energy Review – We need a Vision

Well that has been some week! I met with my local Senator, John Whelan, last Thursday January 9th. We had a long chat about Ireland’s energy policies and everything they evoked. We agreed on lots but one thing in particular – Irelands energy policy needs an overhaul – a complete, extensive review with public participationContinue reading “National Energy Review – We need a Vision”