For €395 You Too Can Discuss Homelessness but thankfully the reduced rate is €295! Plus VAT of course

Just as they do in energy, healthcare, education etc there is a “Social Housing Summit” purporting to cover: “Planning, Building & Delivering Our Social Housing Needs  This event will be of real interest to all housing specialists, local authorities, consultants, social workers, housing agencies, government departments, regulators, universities, suppliers and manufacturers to the sector. A one-day conferenceContinue reading “For €395 You Too Can Discuss Homelessness but thankfully the reduced rate is €295! Plus VAT of course”

Marine Energy policy in Ireland

Clare PPN Public Participation Network received the following invite on January 17th: Please see attached invitation to participate in an up-coming workshop “Wave Energy in Ireland: Considering the future – Perspectives on Policy”. This event which is being co-ordinated by SmartBay Ireland and the MaREI Centre, UCC will take place on the 26th January 2017 atContinue reading “Marine Energy policy in Ireland”

Eirgrid, the PPNs and “What is Participation in our Energy Transition?”

I became aware of this potentially subversive proposal within the Public Participation Networks PPNs over the Christmas period and I didn’t know what to do about it. Anyone I mentioned it to had a similar reaction as I did – it’s very suspicious. It is not sitting easy with me and I am one for trusting my gutContinue reading “Eirgrid, the PPNs and “What is Participation in our Energy Transition?””

Get a Job!

Today I had an appointment with Intreo, a government department that “offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers” It’s a one stop shop to get you off welfare and back to work. I was concerned that there may be pressure put on me to get a job or go back to education but thankfully that wasn’t theContinue reading “Get a Job!”

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”

Standing Rock

Connecting with activists on the far side of the world was a very soul nurturing experience. It’s always great to have allies in activism and the nearer the better when it comes to community action. In Ireland we have a great network of activists who collaborate across many issues. However it is also great to know that there areContinue reading “Standing Rock”

From Burnout to Balance

I’ve just spent 2 days at Silence & Voice Festival of Feminisms which was hosted by the inspirational Clare Womens Network. It was an amazing event they hosted on a shoestring. Years of work culminating in a powerful insight into feminisms relayed through song, dance, spoken word, conversation and extremely engaging speakers. I must admit IContinue reading “From Burnout to Balance”

Public Consultation on the implementation of the UNECE Aarhus Convention in Ireland

“The Department of the Communications, Climate Action and Environment invites comments from interested parties on the implementation in Ireland of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (known as the Aarhus Convention) in Ireland. A draft National ImplementationContinue reading “Public Consultation on the implementation of the UNECE Aarhus Convention in Ireland”

Proposal for Comprehensive Public Participation in Irelands National Energy Transition Plan

As some of you will know I have spent the past number of years advocating for the People’s Energy Charter request for comprehensive public participation in Ireland’s National Energy Transition Plan. A brief synopsis of the outcome is here and more in-depth report on my work is here. The questions everybody asks are “What isContinue reading “Proposal for Comprehensive Public Participation in Irelands National Energy Transition Plan”

Brief Update on Transition in Ireland

My latest blog was written for the Transition Network ‘International’ series – an insight into national transition hubs. I detailed the work and achievements of the People’s Energy Charter. You can read it here. Meanwhile I am contemplating where to next. At a recent event in Cloughjordan Eco Village about 40 people were exploring how to accelerateContinue reading “Brief Update on Transition in Ireland”