Roscommon County Council hosts successful dedicated Decarbonisation Event

Roscommon County Council’s dedicated Climate Action team held a series of lectures and events to highlight ongoing and planned initiatives in the designated Decarbonisation Zone (DZ), inviting individuals and groups to engage with the team on new ideas, potential projects and future opportunities to take climate action. 

The day-long event took place to coincide with this year’s Roscommon Agricultural Show, which took place on the grounds of the Hannon family, on the Athlone Road in Roscommon town. 

A large number of visitors attended the day-long event which featured information stands, talks and demonstrations, suitable for all ages. Feedback from the event was very positive, demonstrating a passion among local communities to arrest the impacts of climate change. 

All of the events shared one common theme, namely how the different sections of Roscommon County Council, working with other stakeholders, striving to mitigate and combat the effects of Climate Change. 

Representatives from Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Housing sections of Roscommon County Council were present to give advice on delivering a healthier, safer and friendlier environment and outline steps toward more sustainable living. 

The day’s event began with an illustrated talk by Roscommon County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Gerard Hannon who spoke passionately about the Council’s Biodiversity Plan, for which public consultations are ongoing with a second phase discussion and identification of actions planned. 

Mr Hannon spoke of the immense values of hedgerows which were vital for pollination by bees. He said it was important to manage hedgerows and grasslands in a rotational fashion to provide a safe and effective habitat for wildlife and flowers to flourish effectively. 

“The solutions for effective pollination are within access to us all, within 200 metres of all of us, in fact. It is important we encourage genetic diversity and connect both urban and rural environments to each other. All of these actions are underpinned by the third All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030”, Mr. Hannon concluded. 

 Janet Laffey of the River Basin Management Service (Formerly LAWPRO) demonstrated how practical measures such as improved management of surface water can support biodiversity and improve water quality in Roscommon town. 

Ms Laffey said it was important pressure was taken off our sewer systems in managing water, which would prevent flooding and improve water quality, remarking: “we (society) need to become more resilient with weather extremes.” 

 “Our waterways need to retain more oxygen. It is important our rivers are supported, under our River Basin Management Plan, to enable the delivery of quality water,” said Ms Laffey, before highlighting the work of Roscommon Tidy Towns in installing rainwater planters at many locations in Roscommon town. 

 With an appropriate nod towards lunchtime, Margaret Sexton of the acclaimed Margaret’s Kitchen, in Roscommon town was also on hand along with many of her diligent young helpers, producing a series of masterclasses in the making of quality food treats, including brown breads, jams and traditional apple pies. 

 The purpose of the demonstration was to illustrate how fresh, locally sourced produce can be used to make quality, healthy foods that are of nutritional value while also being kind to the local environment featuring ingredients that are sustainable and kind to nature. 

 The second demonstration featured information and advice on Energy efficiency and retrofits in heritage buildings, delivered by Jane Meade of Meade Architects. Established over twenty years, Jane has worked on a wide range of conservation projects in the region including Strokestown Park House and Donamon Castle. 

As a leading conservation expert, Ms. Meade gave an outline of key considerations in the sensitive retrofit of heritage buildings and information available on SEAI (the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), including vacant homes and living over the shop schemes currently available. 

 Ms Meade went on to highlight the many benefits of refurbishing old and vacant properties and remarked “the greatest building is the one that already exists” a reference to the immense potential of refurbishing old and disused properties. 

“Our built heritage is important, it gives us a sense of place, belonging, history, cultural identity and character. Our streetscapes have not changed but it is important to understand our old buildings and use appropriate measures in the refurbishment of our old buildings.”

 Ms. Meade concluded by highlighting the availability of grants for heat pumps and other heating installations and said persons in receipt of fuel allowance are also entitled to apply for grant aid for upgrading of home heating. 

 Currently, Roscommon County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage are inviting applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2027 and The BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream 2027. Information and application forms are on the Council’s website. 

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides support of between €2,500 and €50,000 for the conservation of historic buildings and structures. The BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream will provide grants of up to €20,000 for the conservation of historic thatched buildings. 

 Completed applications shall be submitted before 5pm on Friday October 30th either by post to: Heritage Office, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co Roscommon F42 VR98 or by email to heritage@roscommoncoco.ie. Successful applications will be announced in January 2027

Decarbonisation Event