Blanchardstown EDIC Interview Series explains the European Green Deal

The Blanchardstown Europe Direct Information Centre in conjunction with Fingal Libraries recently organised a series of online interviews on the topic of explaining the European Green Deal. There were five interviews in total with one posted daily between the 2nd and 6th November. The objective of the interview series was to introduce the public to the European Green Deal: its objectives and various strands. The conference was opened by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy with County Librarian Betty Boardman making an address. The interview series was organised by Europe Direct Blanchardstown Manager Siobhan Walshe and Assistant Coordinator Barry O’Carroll who conducted the interviews.

Mayor of Fingal Councillor David Healy explained in his introduction “The aim of this series of interviews with European Green deal experts is to explain in a straightforward way some of the main strands of the deal and the impacts they are likely to have on a global and local scale.” He continued “In Fingal in Ireland, in Europe and throughout the world we face a common challenge to transition to a sustainable society and economy in a recovering biosphere with a safe and stable climate. Every one of us has a key role to play in making this a reality.”

The five interviewees covered a range of topics. The first interview on the 2nd November was with Jonathan Claridge, Head of Communication at the European Commission Representation in Ireland. Jonathan gave a basic introduction to the European Green Deal and explained its main objectives. On day 2, we spoke to Patrick O’Riordan about Financing the Green Deal and the Just Transition Fund. Patrick is an economic advisor at the European Commission Representation in Ireland. Dr. Sinead McCarthy, a researcher at Teagasc spoke about the Farm to Fork Strategy on Wednesday 4th November.

Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe joined us on day 4 to discuss the European Climate Law and the Biodiversity Strategy. On the final day, we interviewed Aoife Sheridan from the Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development Department at Fingal County Council. Aoife explained the impact of the European Green Deal at a local and national level and spoke about some of the environmental projects that Fingal County Council is implementing.

Each interview was informative and engaging with the interviewees answering several questions submitted in advance by members of the public. Online feedback has been positive with the videos being shared widely. Converting our annual conference to an online format was challenging but it has also allowed us to reach a wide audience. The series has been viewed by nearly 1000 people so far .

Speaking about the event, County Librarian Betty Boardman said:

“Normally an event such as this would be held in one of our libraries or at a conference centre, but COVID 19 has made this impossible. Going online with the interviews has allowed the Europe Direct Information Centre at Blanchardstown Library to continue as an effective platform for information and debate on European matters.”

All five interviews may be viewed at the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhLZ_o7ug6_8Ah_mlXYSbMeJFK2MQA4Oz