Green award for Tipp County Council

Tipperary Co Council is this year's winner of the Green Public Sector Organisation of the year award.

Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Roger Kennedy was presented with the award at the National Green Awards Ceremony in Dublin on February 20th. He stated that it was “a great honour for Tipperary” and he commended the work of the Environment section and community groups across the county.

Director for the Environment Sean Keating said that he was very proud of the efforts of council staff and local communities that led to the winning of this award.

Tipperary Co Co along with Tipperary Energy Agency undertook a wide range of projects, that targeted biodiversity/natural habitat, energy efficiencies, waste reduction and environmental awareness. The council's Environment section was helped by the many vibrant communities across the county whose input to the various projects contributed significantly to making our environment greener.

Biodiversity/Habitats:

A priority in 2017 was the cleanup of popular river walks, and to highlight how the existence of biodiversity and natural habitats is a factor in improving water quality standards. Staff organised two information days in Tipperary and Carrick on Suir to demonstrate to communities and in particular children the various species and invertebrates that inhabit our rivers. 

In supporting the sterling work of the Tidy Towns and the schools, 1,700 trees and 160 wild flower boxes were distributed to increase natural habitats throughout the county.

Energy Efficiency:

Tipperary Co Council is currently the leading local authority and one of the leading public bodies in Ireland with regard to meeting its energy efficiency obligations. Over 80 sustainable energy projects were completed across its significant number of facilities in the past decade. To date a total of almost €4.5 million savings and reduced energy consumption of 14,000 MWh have been achieved, saving a total of 66,000 MWh cumulatively since 2006.

Tipperary Co Council is a signatory to the Covenant of Mayors and has started the rollout of the Sustainable Energy Action Plan in association with other agencies. This plan identifies projects and initiatives that will help Tipperary meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

With the assistance of Tipperary Energy Agency and North Tipperary Leader Partnership, Tipperary County Council has supported funding applications in excess of €10 million for the Better Energy Communities scheme. This support is aimed primarily at community buildings, sports facilities, schools, SMEs and health care facilities.

Waste Reduction:

Targeting waste reduction remains a priority area with the rollout of the roadside sweeper to remove litter from our roads, the placement of mutt dispensers along routes around towns and villages to deter dog fouling and cleanups of litter blackspots. As part of a gum litter campaign, Tipperary Co Council commissioned a video by the 2 Johnnies to discourage gum litter on our streets and pavements. The Council is also supporting the Cashel 'Zero Waste Campaign', which aims to demonstrate how a community can achieve significant reductions in waste arising.

Environment Awareness:

Our public awareness trailer has been to visit a number of towns and shows during the summer to advise on environmental matters and also to get feedback from the public. Recycling workshops and stop food waste initiatives were organised in association with local companies and agencies.