Wicklow community forms action team to tackle energy, transport and waste
The Wicklow PeopleA new community team has been launched to drive practical local actions that will improve sustainability, biodiversity and the overall ecological health in Greystones and surrounding areas.
The climate action team was launched after it’s inaugural AGM at Greystones Golf Club, which brought together representatives from community groups, sports clubs, businesses, local organisations and residents from Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killincarrig.
The team has been established to support and coordinate community-led climate action across the Greystones Municipal District and to develop a Community Climate Action Plan for the area.
The inaugural forum was held in 2023 at Burnaby Park, where this initial gathering sparked local interest in forming a collective body for better climate action.
A follow-up meeting was held in April 2024, which focused on gathering community sentiment. Polls conducted during that event revealed that 97pc of attendees were willing to make greener choices, and 94pc wanted local sports and community clubs to adopt more sustainable practices.
In September 2025 a third meeting was held at Greystones Golf Club, which transitioned discussions into practical planning. Interactive workshops were used to explore the future direction of the forum and recruit groups to form an official committee.
The meeting was opened by district Cathaoirleach Cllr Lourda Scott, who welcomed attendees and acknowledged the importance of community leadership in responding to climate change.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Scott said climate action is one of the most important challenges facing local communities.
“The establishment of this team creates a valuable platform for community groups, sports clubs, local businesses and the local authority to work together, share ideas and develop practical solutions that support sustainability and build resilience at a local level.”
“Community involvement is essential if we are to deliver meaningful climate action and build a sustainable future for our towns and villages,” she added.
The AGM formally established the team and adopted its constitution.
Officers were elected to lead the team’s work, including Rob Mooney as chair, Keith Scanlon as vice-chair, Wicklow County Council climate action coordinator Mark Costello as secretary, Adam Caliham as vice-secretary and Cllr Louise Fenlon Gaskin as treasurer, with additional executive team members Cllr Lourda Scott and Justin Ivory.
The team will focus on developing a Community Climate Action Plan that will identify achievable local actions across key areas including energy efficiency, sustainable transport, biodiversity enhancement, waste reduction, water conservation and community engagement.
The plan will be developed through collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure it reflects the priorities and strengths of the community.
Mr Costello outlined the proposed approach to preparing the plan and emphasised the importance of partnership between the local authority and community organisations.
Mr Costello highlighted how strong community participation will be essential in delivering meaningful and lasting climate action at local level.
The meeting also provided an overview of funding opportunities available to support community climate projects.
Presentations were delivered on the Community Climate Action Programme and the Greystones Reusable Cup Scheme. Pat Sammon and Pamela McCann from Codling Wind Park also provided an update on the project and outlined opportunities associated with the Community Benefit Fund, which aims to support local sustainability initiatives.
Chief executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman welcomed the establishment of the team and emphasised the importance of community collaboration in climate action.
“Local communities play a critical role in helping to deliver climate action. Initiatives such as the Greystones Municipal District Community Climate Action Team demonstrate the strong partnerships that exist between Wicklow County Council and the communities we serve.
“By supporting community groups, sports clubs and local businesses to develop and deliver local climate initiatives, we are strengthening our collective ability to respond to climate challenges while also enhancing the quality of life across our county.”
The team will now begin progressing its work programme, including stakeholder engagement, project identification and the preparation of funding applications to support community-led climate initiatives.
As a coastal district, Greystones faces several critical climate-related hazards that impact its infrastructure, economy, and natural environment.
The district remains highly car-dependent, with significant traffic congestion on the M11 and regional arteries during peak hours. Rising sea levels increase the frequency of coastal flooding, particularly around the South Beach area during storm surges.
The eastern rail corridor runs along soft cliffs that are subject to undermining and rockfalls. Some estimates suggest erosion could reach the tracks within a decade if unmanaged.
While the team in Greystones is a unique formal collaboration between a Municipal District and local stakeholders, several other structured community entities in Wicklow drive similar climate initiatives.
The Wicklow Town Team is a volunteer-led steering committee that has secured more than €1 million in funding for projects focusing on climate action, sustainable energy, and town environment.
Meanwhile, Arklow has been designated as Wicklow’s first pilot decarbonisation zone The town is serving as a testbed for mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity measures that are intended for replication elsewhere across the county.