Keen to Be Green
Keen To Be Green is a Fingal County Council Community Development project developed from a desire to source & implement practical, sustainable, climate focused actions in the community.
History
In 2021, the facilities team in Fingal’s Community Development Department, collaborated with the Fingal Community Facilities Network to develop the first Keen to Be Green Charter. Securing commitment from Community Centre managers to prioritise and implement climate focused actions such as; waste management, water conservation, energy saving and active travel measures; over 30 community centres signed up to the charter. Now, the key reference document for securing environmental actions in all Fingal supported community centres the charter also acknowledges the importance of promoting biodiversity and the UN’s sustainable development goals locally.
Launched in September 2021, Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Daniel Whooley said of Keen to Be Green;
“I am confident that the project will grow from strength to strength. It will provide communities with the opportunity to learn more about climate action and become more aware of how together we can affect change. Together we recognise the impact climate action is having on our planet”
Consequently, in applying a collaborative approach, Fingal County Council’s Community Development Office, Environmental Department and the Fingal Community Facilities Network are central to sharing information which drives vital change in the community and creates greater awareness around climate action in local communities across Fingal.
During the official launch, Principal Community Development Officer Linda Ennis as well as confirming her departments commitment to the project, explained;
“The Community Development Office is committed to supporting the network to build on this project into the future. Fingal County Council is very fortunate to have a wide range of community facilities across the county. Our facilities vary from large multipurpose shared facilities, centres with gyms, meeting rooms, dance studios, childcare facilities and outdoor spaces. These Community facilities provide so many opportunities to people across Fingal to become part of their community.”
Latest Updates
LAMA Awards
We are delighted to announce that Keen to Be Green has been shortlisted in the Best Environmental Project category for an All-Ireland Community and Council Award 2025.
Now in its nineteenth year, the All Ireland Community and Council Awards, presented by IPB Insurance and LAMA (Local Authority Members Association), recognise and honour the ways in which communities and councils work together to help improve people’s lives.
The Community Development Department’s Keen To Be Green Programme has been shortlisted alongside Thrive Balbriggan - Great Spaces & Places Wellbeing Map.
31 local authorities across Ireland nominated a record 311 projects, with 14 Fingal projects making the shortlist. Fingal County Council is also in the running for Council of the Year 2025.
The Fingal nominations are the culmination of work undertaken by the Council in conjunction with community groups and businesses in the county and show the continued investment being placed in local services and heritage projects.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “I’m thrilled that the LAMA Awards continue to acknowledge the dedication of Fingal’s staff and the invaluable support it receives from our local communities to make a real difference across the county. I’m particularly proud to see our environmental efforts receiving recognition”.
Keen To Be Green Awards
September 2022 not only marked the first anniversary of the project, but the first Keen To Be Green Awards. Hosted by the Fingal Community Facilities Network in the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown, the awards for environmental excellence in Waste Management were presented by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Howard Mahony to all Community Centres taking part.
Taking the opportunity to recognise the work of all the participants, Naomi Weir, Senior Executive Officer of the Community and Sports Department acknowledged the hard work of all the facilities taking part and their staff:
“Through involvement in the Keen to be Green initiative, Community Centres can not only introduce best practice in greening their own facilities, they are also key influencers in the community who are well positioned to inform and educate communities on climate action initiatives. The Fingal Facilities Network is to be commended on stepping up to take on this challenge, leading by example and guiding our communities to embrace a more environmentally conscious future.”
Glás Community Garden
Broadening its reach and strengthening its commitment to Keen to Be Green activities with a clear community focus, the Glás Community Garden Project @TU Dublin was Launched in May 2023.
The GLAS @ TU Dublin community garden is a place where individuals, community groups and schools can learn about gardening and sustainability, or simply enjoy being out in the Irish weather, growing healthy food. The ½ acre site is owned by the university and operated by Global Action Plan, with financial support from Fingal County Council.
Activities planned for the garden include;
● Individual volunteering for anyone interested in social horticulture;
● Nature Explorer: an inclusive programme of nature connection activities, particularly those with little or no access to green spaces;
● Green Living workshops: workshops on composting, growing vegetables and waste reduction;
● Youth Gardening: horticulture activities for young people
If you would like to get involved in the Glás Garden contact [email protected]
Climate Action Plan (2024 – 2009) & Community Engagement
In March 2024, Fingal County Council published a new the Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 . Setting out their mission “To Deliver ambitious measurable and effective climate actions through inclusion and engagement , capacity building , leadership and by example.
The plan acknowledges ‘Community Engagement’ as a core target for supporting the broader vision of Fingal becoming Carbon Neutral by 2050.
As lead driver of the Keen To Be Green project, the Community Development Department have continued to collaborate with various departments throughout 2024 to promote participation and secure community engagement.
Through the continued support of the community development department, Fingal Community Facilities Network and the Keen To Be Green Working Group there is more to come.
Education & Learning
The Keen to Be Green Working Group visited the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun for a work-planning session and to learn more about circular economy initiatives including; Rediscover Fashion and Rediscover Paint - A social enterprise that repurposes unwanted paint that is then used in many of our community centres.
Keen to be Green Festivals
Since 2023 , a number of Green Festivals have been held in Community Centres across Fingal including; Mulhuddart Community Centre in D15 and Donabate & Portrane Community Centre in the North County. With activities including; Fast Fashion, Cool Food and Bicycle Repair Workshops.
Fast Fashion Workshops & Swop Shops
Castaheaney Community Centre as part of a Fast Fashion Workshop hosted a well attended Swap Shop in the centre. Supported by the local womens shed, there are now plans in place to hold a specific costume swapping event for local children in anticpation of Halloween.
Whats Next ?
Keen To Be Green in 2025
- Keen to Be Green has been shortlisted in the Best Environmental Project category for an All-Ireland Community and Council Award 2025.
Keen To Be Green in 2024
- Tree Week – Fingal Community Centre: Orchard Project Coordinated in collaboration with Fingal’s Operations Department , community centres across Fingal, planted a selection of fruit trees within their grounds including; Apple , Pear , Plum and Cherry Trees to promote biodiversity.
- Climate Action Week Green Festival | Saturday the 14th of September, Flemington Community Centre, Balbriggan: An engaging and informative event took place in the Flemington Community centre to mark this years Climate Action Week. A number of workhops took place throughout the morning including a Cool Food School, Bike Tattoo and Pannier workshops. Upcycling Furniture and Composting Demos there will be something for everyone.