Short Circuit #3: Energy Can Be Local will take place on Wednesday 11 May, 6:30 - 8:00pm

Europe’s plan for decarbonising the energy system describes particular roles for citizens and communities in the clean energy transition. In Ireland the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) support the formation of structures at a local level known as Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) to realise the potential of local organisation around energy to implement energy conservation measures, develop small scale renewable energy, e-mobility or other energy projects. Given heightened concerns about energy security and energy poverty, and Ireland’s commitment to be climate-neutral by 2050, this discussion facilitated by Helena Fitzgerald will explore the potential of what local energy communities in Carlow can do. Contributors include Gráinne Kennedy, 3CEA; Isabella Donnelly, Mullingar Sustainable Energy Community and others. This event is particularly aimed at people in Carlow concerned about the current energy crisis, and interested in developing a local response to this.

Short Circuit #4 will take place on Wedneday 18 May

Event 1: More Heavy Downpours in the South East, took place on Wednesday 27 April.

This conversation explored local experience of climate change, impacts of increased rainfall intensity, and how we might adapt to this. Contributors included Prof. Conor Murphy, Maynooth University and the Irish Climate Analysis and Research UnitS (ICARUS); Alan O’Reilly, Carlow Weather; Dr. Yvonne Ryan Fogarty, University of Limerick; Dr. Steve Larkin, TU Dublin; and others.

Each Short Circuit event will feature contributions from science and academia, stakeholders in Carlow, the private sector and government agencies. Following a public conversation, participants will be invited to complete individual or shared responses to the questions posed by the exhibition: What could happen if we do nothing? What could happen if we act? How best do we plan for the future?

A Space for Making Good Decisions About Place by Helena Fitzgerald continues as part of VISUAL’s current season of exhibitions. The space prompts us to think about how we can make good decisions for the future of the places where we live.

Short Circuit #2: Right Tree, Right Place, Right Purpose took place on Wednesday 4 May, 6.30 to 8.00pm

As part of the European Green Deal, the European Union’s plan to be a climate-neutral continent by 2050, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 includes a pledge to plant 3 billion additional trees by 2030 in a way that respects ecological principles. This conversation curated by Helena Fitzgerald, explores what the right tree in the right place for the right purpose might mean in Carlow from a broad range of perspectives. Contributors include Dr Ken Byrne, University of Limerick; Dr James Moran, Atlantic Technological University, Frances McHugh, Teagasc; Mary Laheen, University College Dublin; Cornelia McCarthy, Glenn Lucas Woodturning Study Centre; Sean Hoskins, Forester; Keith Swan, BASE Ireland.