Belcarra hosts climate awareness through art exhibition
Pictured at the recent event in Belcarra were, back row, from left: Dr Orla Nic Suibhne, SEAI Sustainable Energy Comunity Mentor; Mary Fitzgerald, Belcarra Community Council Vice-Chairperson; Mary B Prendergast, Belcarra Tidy Towns Chairperson; Helen Ralph, Belcarra Community Council; Laurence O'Reilly, O'Reilly Energy Consultancy and Energy Master Plan Consultant for Belcarra Sustainable Energy Committee. Front row: Alice Cuffe, Nora Ralph, Dylan Ralph (class winner) and June Ralph. Picture: Trish Forde
Belcarra Tidy Towns Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) recently hosted a climate awareness through art exhibition as a follow-up to a climate-themed art competition held in Belcarra National School. The initiative forms a key component of Belcarra’s Energy Master Plan (EMP), currently being developed with support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The competition showcased the creativity and environmental awareness of local students, with seven prizes awarded and a total prize fund of €300. As a lasting celebration of the children’s work, three winning artworks will be printed, laminated, and permanently displayed along Belcarra’s riverside walk, creating a public visual reminder of the community’s commitment to climate action.
The exhibition also featured energy information stands from SEAI, Westquay Energy, Churchfield Home Services, and Laurence O’Reilly, the consultant leading the development of Belcarra’s EMP. These stands provided residents with practical information on home energy upgrades and available grants.
Belcarra SEC has been awarded €20,000 in funding from SEAI to prepare its EMP, which will outline opportunities for energy savings, renewable energy generation, and long-term sustainability for the community. The final plan is expected to be launched next year.
Speaking at the event, Mary Prendergast, Chair of the Belcarra Tidy Towns SEC, expressed her gratitude:
“We are delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the students, the school, and the wider community. This exhibition not only highlights the creativity of our young people but also encourages important conversations around energy and climate action.”
Belcarra Tidy Towns SEC extends a sincere thank you to Belcarra National School, the SEC committee, and the Tidy Towns committee for their invaluable support in making the event a success.
