First climate café gathering held in Tullamore

The new Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group held its first climate café gathering in Tullamore on Tuesday, August 19.

The free event was well-attended, with a broad range of people meeting for a chat on climate-related issues over a cup of tea or coffee.

Attendees ranged in age from 8 to 94. Some wanted to find out ways they can live more sustainably, and others were quite knowledgeable in certain areas.

Amongst the issues discussed were transport, recycling, circular economy, biodiversity and invasive species, with a positive focus placed on how we can all make a difference.

After attending, Sean Hynes said: "I'm glad I attended the climate café. It was a good way for me to meet more people in Offaly who are as concerned about our changing climate as I am.

"I have developed contacts where I can go and ask about local sustainability issues. I look forward to attending more climate cafés in the future," said Sean.

Another attendee, Fiona Keegan, said she had a "great evening, meeting with others interested in resisting climate change and improving biodiversity here in Tullamore," adding, "I picked up some practical tips and it was good to discuss some long-term planning too."

The voluntary action group is planning to hold more climate café's around Offaly in the coming year. Amongst their aims are creating opportunities for people to connect, share knowledge and educate themselves in relation to climate and biodiversity.

Those interested in promoting and protecting nature within the county of Offaly are encouraged to get in contact through email: offalyclimateandbio@outlook.com or through Facebook: Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group.

The group is holding its inaugural AGM in October, where a committee will be elected for the coming year.

Two of its founding members were also interviewed for the Midlands 103 programme 'Let's Go Green' with the interview scheduled to be aired on Monday next, September 1, at 7pm.