Fingal is full of Climate Heroes - and we have the winners to prove it

National Community Climate Action Hero Awards were presented Wednesday 28th June at an award ceremony in Fingal County Council, County Hall, Swords. Each of the winners were presented with their awards by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy and Hans Zomer, CEO with Global Action Plan, the environmental organisation managing the climate competition.

The “Climate Heroes” challenge was a two-week national competition, involving 68 community groups and organisations from all around Ireland. Organised by Global Action Plan and funded by Irish Aid, the national competition was the first of its kind.

Twenty-one Fingal Community Groups competed, logging everyday climate impact activities in a bid to save the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions.  Fingal came out on top, saving a combined 14,744.12 total kgCO₂e.

Awards were designed by the Rediscover Centre and presented to the Ukrainian Volunteers of Ireland, Castleknock Tidy Town, Myrtle The Coast Residents Association and the Prosper Group. 

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy congratulated all the winners and said “I am very proud to be part of the awards ceremony this evening and delighted with the immense contribution made by all of the Fingal groups that participated in the Climate Heroes challenge.  

Hans Zomer, CEO of Global Action Plan added “The Climate Heroes competition illustrates the immediate impact that small lifestyle changes can have. Systems change cannot happen without active and empowered citizens, and the Climate Heroes competition shows that small changes can make a difference, and inspire others.”

Robert Burns, Director of Services with responsibility for Housing and Community Development said  “On behalf of everyone involved in this unique competition, I want to congratulate all of the teams who participated in the Climate Heroes Challenge 2023 and thank them for serving as a great example to their community.” 

Sinead Wiley, Senior Community Officer concluded “Our local teams made a remarkable contribution during the challenge. Their dedication, energy and commitment has helped lower our carbon emissions and create a more sustainable future for all. We hope to see all of you, and many more Fingal community groups, next year for the 2024 Climate Heroes Challenge,”