Greening Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Inis

Clare County Council in conjunction with the Fleadh Executive Committee made great efforts in 2016 and 2017 to green Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. The Fleadh was held for both years in Ennis. Actions taken to green the Fleadh included:

• Local businesses taking measures to reduce food waste, reduce energy and water use, and increase recycling. Those who signed up were recognised through a window ‘commitment sticker’ scheme. Green business seminars were held for local businesses and efficiency assessments for those businesses interested
• Segregated waste bins on the street, at the venues, and in the campsites for all waste, including food, recyclables and general waste. Fifty five recycling stations were put in place in the town centre, in venues, and at casual trading locations
• The campsite in Clarecastle installed reduced flowrate showers and restrictors for toilets to help conserve water
• Collection of campsite tents left behind for reuse
• The carbon footprint of the fleadh was calculated for 2016, and efforts were made to reduce this in 2017
• The number of mobile generators used for lighting were reduced between 2016 and 2017; mobile generators were the main source of carbon emissions for the Fleadh’s own activities
• Transport measures included promotion of public transport for coming to the Fleadh, a local shuttle bus during the Fleadh, provision of bike parking locations, as well as several ‘park and ride’ and ‘park and stride’ facilities
• The use of compostable ware was mandatory for street food vendors, as well as segregation of their waste
• Promotion of reusable coffee cups, including the Green Fleadh Keep Cup
• Postcard ‘Green Fleadh’ art competition for kids
• Environment-themed workshops for kids
• A large amount of publicity and promotion relating to the greening initiatives
• A huge involvement of Green Fleadh volunteers including from local TidyTowns groups in Ennis and Clarecastle