Climate change talks with Minister Bruton in Mayo

THE Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, is today (Friday) in Castlebar to hear the views and ideas of the local community on climate change.

Tackling climate disruption is vital for every family, every community and every enterprise. It is about having a sustainable future and the minister is in Mayo to discuss how we can step up our response as a country.

Minister Bruton is currently working with government colleagues across all departments to develop an all of government climate plan.

“It is only by communities working together that we will reach our goals. That is why a discussion like this is so important to help us get all our efforts working to a common purpose,” he said.

As part of Minister Bruton’s visit to Mayo he will also open the new Climate Action Regional Office for the Atlantic Seaboard North area. The office is operated by Mayo County Council and given its close relationship with local communities, businesses and other local authorities in the region it is uniquely positioned to facilitate effective climate action at both the regional and local level.

He will also visit Cairn International Trade Centre operated by a subsidiary of IRD Kiltimagh, which has been a key driver of employment and community development in the region, showing the impact the local community, local authority, employers and state agencies can have by working together. This campus is home to the flagship Cairn International Trade Centre which accommodates approximately 15 companies employing 70 people.

On the final stop on his visit, Minister Richard Bruton will also call to a house that produces almost no carbon.

Earth house, located just outside Kiltimagh, is a home that has been upgraded to A1 zero energy standard with a focus on retrofitting and using sunlight to produce its energy through solar panels.