Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re talking farming, forests and the fascinating relationship between dogs and humans. Alice Doyle, Deputy President of the Irish Farmers’ Association, joins me to discuss the impact of the recent heatwave on Ireland’s farmers, from the pressure on crops and livestock to the challenges increasingly unpredictable weather creates for the sector. Tracy McCabe of Grown Forest tells us about their work to restore Ireland’s forests and why creating diverse, resilient woodland is so important for biodiversity and our changing climat
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re talking fashion waste, sustainable shopping and looking to the skies. Pat Kane of Reuzi joins me to discuss new EU rules aimed at tackling waste in the fashion industry and what they could mean for how our clothes are made, sold and disposed of. Ciara Coleman of Vision Ireland explains how choosing pre-loved can be good for your pocket as well as the planet, and shares the charity’s efforts to encourage more of us to shop sustainably. And with a solar eclipse on the way, Herman Le Roux of the Dublin Institute for Advanced
Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke
This week on Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke on Midlands 103, we're talking community energy, water resources and staying safe this summer. John McNally, Climate Action Coordinator with Offaly County Council, joins me to explain a new Solar Panel Meitheal being established in Tullamore. He tells us how the initiative will work and shares details of an information evening taking place on Wednesday, 22 July, at 7.30 pm in the Tullamore Court Hotel for anyone interested in getting involved. David MacRedmond of TheJournal.ie discusses the growing debate around water use and data centres, expl
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, I’m bringing you a special programme from the Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference, where some of the country’s leading voices came together to discuss the future of climate action in Ireland. I speak with Dr Karen Bacon of the University of Galway, Emma Donoghue, Manager of the Mary Robinson Centre, environmental campaigner Duncan Stewart, Alice Doyle, Deputy President of the Irish Farmers' Association and the organisation's first female Deputy President, and Molly Garvey of Neighbourhood and Community Gardens Ireland.
Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan
This week on Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan - Exploring an innovative way to spread awareness about the treasures that lie on and beneath our boglands, questioning the future of our wetlands and discovering what happens when botany and art collide. Dr Shane Mc Guinness, Assistant Professor in Sustainability at UCD, tells us about the specially commissioned series of beer mats about Ireland’s peatlands being distributed in pubs across the Midlands in an effort to raise awareness about the archaeological and environmental treasures found in our peatlands. Tóchar Project Manager Shirley Clerkin joi
Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan
This week on Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan - top tips for managing our food waste, raising awareness through art and measures to reduce the amount of wildlife killed on our roads. On the back of National Food Waste Recycling Week, Circular Economy Co-ordinator at MyWaste Pauline McDonogh tells us the best practices to follow when it comes to managing our brown bin waste. Coosan-born and raised Artist Dee McKiernan and Biodiversity Officer in Roscommon County Council Gerard Hannon discuss her latest exhibition 'Our Crucial Callows' aimed at raising awareness for the unique, seasonally flooded we
On this week’s Let’s Go Green, Gavyn Pedley joins me to talk about his innovation FloodPredictor.ie and how it could help communities better prepare for and respond to flooding. Kate Moore of the National Biodiversity Data Centre explains the growing threat of invasive species in Ireland, what signs to look out for and how the public can play a role in protecting biodiversity. And Andrew Sheehan of Sustainability Examples discusses green hushing, why some businesses are choosing to stay quiet about their sustainability efforts and what that means for transparency and progress. Tune in every Mo
On this week’s Let’s Go Green with Aisling O' Rourke, Liam Coyle, Longford farmer and European Climate Pact Ambassador, joins us to talk about what climate resilience really looks like on the ground and how Irish communities, particularly in rural areas, can better prepare for extreme weather and changing conditions. Rachel Neeson, Senior Manager with the Statistics Team at the Environmental Protection Agency, outlines just how far Ireland is from meeting its recycling targets. She breaks down the latest data, where we are falling short and what needs to change at both a household and national
On this week’s Let’s Go Green, Professor John Sweeney explains why renewed discussion around nuclear energy is distracting from the urgent climate solutions Ireland needs right now, including faster investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Security and Defence Analyst Declan Power joins me to discuss the growing importance of protecting Ireland’s energy security, from critical infrastructure and cyber threats to ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the future. Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland shares an important warning for bird lovers this summer. A fatal parasit
Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan
Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re exploring Ireland’s energy future, emissions data and a new celebration of nature-friendly farming. Caroline O’Doherty, Climate and Science Correspondent with the Irish Times, joins me to discuss the energy conversation sparked by recent fuel protests. We look at Ireland’s options when it comes to renewable energy and what the country can do to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil. Dr Maria Martin of the Environmental Protection Agency talks us through their latest findings on Ireland’s carbon em
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re focusing on community action, sustainability and practical steps you can take at home. Climate Ambassador Laurence O’Reilly joins me to talk about the EU Climate Pact and how it is supporting communities to become more sustainability and biodiversity minded. We discuss how individuals and groups can get involved and make a real impact locally. Amanda Glancy of SIRO tells us about the launch of this year’s School Pollinator Project, encouraging students and schools to take simple but meaningful steps to support pollinators
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re focusing on community action, behavioural change and bringing more life and colour into our outdoor spaces. With thanks to Hans Zomer of Global Action Plan Ireland, I visit the Glas Community Garden at TU Dublin Blanchardstown. We explore how shared growing spaces can bring people together while supporting biodiversity and local climate action. Dr Sinéad Sheehan of the School of Psychology at University of Galway joins me to explain the role of behavioural change in addressing environmental challenges. We discuss why gett
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re looking at energy use in our homes, celebrating local food innovation and keeping an eye on the weather ahead of St Patrick’s Day. Dr Muireann Lynch joins us to discuss a new report from the ESRI examining Ireland’s decarbonisation efforts. The research suggests that while many homes are improving their BER ratings, this is not always translating into lower energy consumption, raising important questions about behaviour and energy use. Fiona McCormack, a County Longford beekeeper, talks to us about her involvement in the
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re exploring biodiversity, sustainable homes and the power of volunteering. Lisa Doyle, Biodiversity Officer with Laois County Council, joins me to talk about the brand new Portlaoise Seed Library. We find out how it works, why seed saving matters and how the initiative aims to support biodiversity while encouraging more people to grow their own plants and vegetables. Shane Murphy of Ashgrove Renewables joins the programme to discuss an upcoming event in the Mullingar Park Hotel designed to answer your questions about the de
Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke
Alan Wyley of Energy Cloud joins me to discuss the reality of energy poverty in Ireland. We explore how surplus renewable energy can be redirected to households in need and what more can be done to ensure a fair and just transition. Pat Hunt, Vice Chair of Irish Fire Safety Engineers, returns to talk about fire safety in the home, with a particular focus on the rise in electronic gadgets bought through social media platforms. We discuss the risks, what to watch out for and the practical steps you can take to keep your household safe. Roisin Fitzgerald of Clean Coasts tells us about their lates
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we explore how global warnings, local insights and early education all play a role in shaping Ireland’s climate response. John Gibbons, environmental journalist and author of The Lie of the Land, joins me to discuss the significance of the Doomsday Clock moving to 85 seconds to midnight. We look at what this symbolic moment says about the state of global risk, from climate change to biodiversity collapse, and why it matters for Ireland. Deputy John Clendennen, a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, reflects on what Ir
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re covering safety at home, the environmental impact of invasive species, and a creative approach to sustainable celebrations. Pat Hunt, Vice Chair of Irish Fire Safety Engineers, joins me to talk about fire safety in the home, with a particular focus on the rise in electronic gadgets bought through social media platforms. We discuss the risks, what to watch out for, and how to keep your household safe. Caroline O’Doherty, Climate and Science Correspondent with the Irish Times, reports on the growing problem of soaring Sika
This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re looking at the intersection of energy policy, sustainable fashion and the future of Irish forestry. Jerry Mac Evilly of Friends of the Earth joins me to discuss the Government’s latest Large Energy User Action Plan and what it means for emissions, investment and the wider push for a just energy transition. We examine who stands to benefit and where the environmental risks may lie. Ngozi Murphy of House of Abia talks about the power of upcycling our wardrobes. She shares her insights on how to dress with purpose, reduce te