The Dingle Peninsula 2030 sustainability project received commendation from the UN’s Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, which has a focus on sustainable development projects. The UN has showcased the Dingle Peninsula 2030 project as a case study.

Established in 2018, Dingle Peninsula 2030 is made up of the Dingle Creativity and Innovation Hub, ESB Networks, North East and West Kerry Development – a community development organisation – and the MaREI Centre, the research centre for energy, climate and the marine.

According to the Manager of Dingle Creativity and Innovation Hub, Deirdre de Bhailís, “our mission is to build a flourishing community, fostering a vibrant and diverse ecosystem of stakeholders to facilitate the creation and maintenance of well-paid, year-round jobs on the Dingle Peninsula.”

The Dingle Peninsula 2030 actively partners with the local community, schools, business, farming, and transport sectors “to enable the broader societal changes required for the sustainable transition”. This work has launched a pilot Farm Ambassador Programme, using soil and water monitors to ensure that the impact from the spreading of fertilisers is minimised and established the Dingle Sustainable Energy Community, among other initiatives.

According to Connor McGookin, PhD researcher in energy engineering, MaREI Centre, “climate action and community development are inseparable, particularly in rural areas. We will not have a transition to a low carbon energy system if we do not have healthy, vibrant communities.”

 

For more information visit:

https://www.marei.ie/project/dingle-peninsula-2030/ 

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