Can “Just Transition” fail to be a transition that is just? Definitely. What is needed is a national transition strategy that is just, in compliance with the Aarhus convention, respects everybody equally and supports everyone affected. That must begin immediately. Ultimately this lack of a coordinated, whole of society action is a gross injustice to the young people of Ireland, the world and future generations.
Tag Archives: community engagement
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”
Actions speak loudest
Why are public bodies supporting exclusive back door policy opportunities? Where are the rural voices in Irelands energy space? Where are the “energy citizens” and local authorities in energy planning? I recently attended the Energy & Climate Conference in Dublin Castle. This time I decided to see if I could encourage others from County ClareContinue reading “Actions speak loudest”
Submission to The Draft Consultation Principles/Guidance
Submission to The Draft Consultation Principles/Guidance To The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Brendan Howlin T.D The public have a right to participate and with that right comes responsibility. Unfortunately this responsibility may not be known, acknowledged, nurtured or facilitated. My experience has taught me that it very often takes a shock or a falseContinue reading “Submission to The Draft Consultation Principles/Guidance”
August Round Up in Pictures
It’s been a while 🙂 Despite the children being off for the past two months I still managed to do stuff! I suppose the most inspiring climate and energy related event was my trip to the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. I was invited to an update on their energy independence initiative. It was great toContinue reading “August Round Up in Pictures”
Meeting Minister White – April 2015
My proposal is to host a national conversation akin to the ideal community conversation by bringing representatives of all of the national bodies of organisations with branches throughout the country to a workshop together and encourage them to replicate the workshop in communities all around the country.
I emphasised the importance of having the farming community at the table. The fact is that if farmers need to keep their methane emissions high sacrifices will have to made elsewhere and that will take a collaborative approach. It may be that a local anaerobic digester will cut out fossil fuel heating for some area of their town bringing the communities collective emissions down.
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”
Two very different sides to Planning for Energy Infrastructure
On October 21st I attended two very different seminars on the same issue in the same room. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. One cost €190 or so to attend and the other was free. One was positive and upbeat while the other was oozing negativity and mistrust. The earlier of theContinue reading “Two very different sides to Planning for Energy Infrastructure”
National Energy Policy – Next Phase
Last Wednesday September 24th I attended the launch of the next phase of the National Energy Policy. This was my first event with Alex White, the new Minister at the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, DCENR. My impression was very positive and I feel he is intent on ensuring this policy can work.Continue reading “National Energy Policy – Next Phase”
Welcoming the debate and stakeholder engagement
This week I attended the Energy Ireland conference. Predictably my agenda was public participation. Almost as predictable is the fact that social or “public acceptance” in energy plans, policies and projects was a big issue throughout the two days with one afternoon workshop being dedicated to “stakeholder engagement”. It got off to a great start when aContinue reading “Welcoming the debate and stakeholder engagement”
TheresaOD.com 