The Environmental Forum Annual Environmental Awards Ceremony took place in the lovely historic location of St. Peter’s, Cork City on Thursday 12th December. The ceremony commenced with the winners of the Forum’s four sectoral pillars, followed by the Circular Economy special Award category. This year the Board of the Forum honoured Tom O’Byrne, Ecologist, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to protecting and restoring species and habitats, most especially the creation of the Clogheenmilcon Fen near Blarney.
The Outstanding Individual Category winner went to not one but three amazingly dedicated people: Tony Nagle, John Lusby and Alan McCarthy, for their combined efforts over many years to help restore the Barn Owl population. Whilst all three are involved with BirdWatch Ireland, they went above and beyond to halt the decline of the Barn Owl and, after many years, we are now seeing a very hopeful increase due to their efforts. Paul Moore, in introducing their work, said: “There is now hope that Barn Owls could be removed from the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland in the near future, which is a result of the efforts of Tony, John and Alan.” Tony Nagle, in accepting the Award, highlighted the immense passion and work that has gone into recording populations of Barn Owl, identifying the reasons for such declines, including lack of nesting sites, removal of hedgerows and food sources, and use of rodenticide. Alan has been prolific in the provision of nest boxes, which have really helped, and a big part of the effort is the farmers who have supported the work, changed practices and allowed boxes to be placed on their land.
Fintan Kelly, Policy Officer with the Irish Environmental Network, received a Commendation in this Category in recognition of his incredible efforts to ensure that the Nature Restoration Law was passed at an EU level. Justin Byrne, Fintan’s colleague at the Irish Environmental Network, accepted the Award on his behalf as, due to illness, he was unable to be there. Justin mentioned Fintan’s determination, drive and leadership in the campaign to mobilise environmental NGOs in Ireland, politicians and the public to get behind the Nature Restoration Campaign. The upswell in public support, together with efforts at EU level, meant the minds of some Irish MEPs were changed and they voted in favour of the controversial law. Nominator Elaine McGoff said: “Ireland is widely credited with saving the Nature Restoration Law in the European Parliament, and a great deal of that comes down to Fintan’s efforts.”
Goleen Harbour in rural West Cork is the well-deserving winner in the Business & Commercial Category. Deputy Mayor of the County, Cllr. Dominic Finn, highlighted the reasons that this eco-tourism business received the award: “for their holistic approach in developing the business and incorporating zero carbon district heating and power on site, turning food waste into biogas to cook with and providing a high value compost tea for their closed loop nutrient cycle system for their vegetable growing”. Matt Mills, co-founder, spoke about the journey to developing the business after many years as an activist and environmentalist but also a designer. He highlighted the innovative model of funding the enterprise, which meant more community-linked financing. Shirley Gallagher, absent on the night due to illness, said in her nomination: “It is a fantastic eco-tourism business incorporating circularity, ecology and energy efficiency which others can replicate.”
The Old Oak Pub & Restaurant, Cork City, received a Commendation under the Business Category. The Deputy Mayor mentioned the substantial environmental and energy-efficient enhancements they had made to the business and the leadership role they play by eagerly sharing their experiences at events and encouraging other SMEs and hospitality businesses to carry out these transformations and help lower the GHG emissions of the City. Ger Kiely, who accepted the Award on behalf of the Old Oak, gave a short but heartfelt input that there is not an alternative, otherwise we rob the future from our children, and it behoves us all to do what we can where we can.
Togher Community Garden were honoured with the Community & Voluntary Award. Mandie Rekaby, on behalf of the group, gave an overview of the activity delivered by this volunteer-led Garden over the past three years: growing food in raised beds and bringing biodiversity back to a once old bog. A pond, dug by hand, was recently installed. The Garden is organic with no electricity, rainwater is harvested and compost made. The garden runs free workshops on all things biodiversity and how to grow your own food, only using native Irish seeds, and there is a tree nursery of Irish oak grown in a duneman box. Mandie said: “I would love for every Community that has a green space to utilise it and get back to nature, teach the next generation to grow their own food and how all the insects help us.” Rob Gandola, Wildlife Consultant and Herpetology Society, had driven from Wicklow to be at the event to present this Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was strong in his praise of the work of the group and emphasised that “this is the future of community and for supporting all life”.
Donal Sheehan, well-known farmer involved with the BRIDE Farming with Nature Project, introduced the Public Sector Award, which was won by Gas Networks Ireland for their Biodiversity project at the Grange Sub-Station in North Cork. Donal explained how the one-acre site was transformed into a haven for nature through replanting, pond installation and changes in existing management practices at the site. He said: “what is unusual is that this is a large company taking responsibility for their own small land footprint and leading by example”. Jessica Long, Biodiversity Lead, and Grainne O’Reilly, Social Sustainability Manager, were present to accept the Award. Jessica thanked Donal for the nomination and explained how biodiversity audits had been conducted so that they can track improvements. Tim Butter, Farmer Moth Monitoring Officer with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, said: “It’s really encouraging to see the actions of Gas Networks Ireland transform a relatively sterile environment into a nature haven, an example of biodiversity gain, and this is just one of 55 sites around the Country that they are working to enhance for biodiversity.”
The special Circular Economy category was won by Relove Fashion, based at the Rediscovery Centre. An unavoidable clash, as the Centre had its own 20th Anniversary celebrations, meant the team could not attend, but Pauline McDonogh, Senior Scientist, Southern Waste Region Planning Office, who support the project, was there to outline the project and accept the Award. Pauline highlighted the issue of fast fashion, but also the fact that we now have targets under the Circular Economy Strategy for textiles. She explained that Relove Fashion is a sustainable fashion competition open to young people in Ireland of secondary school age and, to date, almost 600 young people have engaged with the competition, stating: “By providing young people with an opportunity to learn about where their clothes are from, and showcase their creativity while promoting sustainable fashion practices, the competition encourages a shift towards a more circular and sustainable society.” Justin Byrne, Irish Environmental Network, in presenting the Award, was effusive in his praise of the Rediscovery Centre and of this initiative, which is really tackling a pervasive consumption issue that has implications for water, energy, pollution and much environmental degradation. He congratulated all involved for their efforts.
This year the Lifetime Achievement Award went to a man who has dedicated so much of his life and energy to protecting habitats and species, ecologist Tom O’Byrne. Tom and Alf McCarthy were among radio’s first wildlife broadcasters with a 20-year airing on 89 FM Radio. Deborah Maguire, Brand Blarney, introduced Tom and especially highlighted the gift he has given Cork, the Clogheenmilcon Fen, saying: “Tom is known locally as The Father of the Fen and we are so lucky to have him and the legacy he created as an ongoing asset to the area that we are able to build a more of an eco-tourism offering in Blarney and surrounds.” Deborah regaled the audience with a very humorous account of being out on the water in a small boat rowed by Tom. Tom, in his acceptance, mentioned that he is not one “to pass on a good opportunity” and took advantage of the machinery working on the N20 to be used for the formation of the Fen. An important recognition for such a wonderful person whose energy, enthusiasm and ideas are palpable and so inspiring to us all. Rob Gandola, who presented Tom with the Award, is himself an advocate for all wetlands and was high in his praise and admiration for Tom, his lifetime’s work and achievements.
This positive celebratory occasion was enriched by the historic setting of St. Peter’s and further enhanced by Jimmy Crowley’s tunes, the delicious canapés from Good Day Deli and the attendance of so many interested in hearing all the stories of the individuals, groups, businesses and organisations being honoured. It gives great hope that, if enough act in this way, we can still save our environment, nature and the future for the generations to come.
Annual Environmental Awards 2024 Open for Nominations
We are excited to announce our Annual Environmental Awards 2024, which are now open for nominations.
As more groups, companies, public bodies and individuals take action to address the climate and biodiversity crises and sustainability for our communities and society, we know there are many projects and actions you are aware of that we may not be. We depend on you, the public and our members, to submit nominations for the great work being done by an individual, a group, a public body or a business in their commitment to protect the environment, restore it or have a greater commitment to sustainability. We are also asking for nominations for actions and projects that support our Special Award category, the Circular Economy, by demonstrating how to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
Awards are nominated under the four main pillars of the Forum: Public Sector, Business and Commercial Sector, Community & Voluntary Sector and our Outstanding Individual Category. Our Award for Circular Economy is an addition since 2021 for initiatives that demonstrate circular economy principles to rethink how we use materials and minimise waste.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given from time to time at the discretion of the Board of The Environmental Forum.
Deadline 31st October 2024 – extended to midnight Sunday 10th November 2024.