Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re hearing from local voices taking action on climate and biodiversity, as well as highlighting an invasive species discovery with national significance. Gaelan Elliffee and Eithne Quinn of the newly formed Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group join me to discuss why they came together, what they hope to achieve, and how they plan to support environmental awareness and action across the county. Jack Keyes of Tullamore Rugby Club shares the steps the club is taking to reduce its environmental impact; from simple changes to long-term sustainability goals. It’s a great example of how sports clubs can lead by example in their communities. Caroline O’Doherty, Environmental Correspondent with the Irish Independent, explains the significance of the recent discovery of an Asian Hornet nest in Cork. We talk about what this invasive species could mean for Ireland’s pollinators and the role of early detection. And before we wrap up, I want to say a sincere thank you to Zoe Ryan for stepping in to present Let’s Go Green throughout August while I took some time off. I’m delighted to be back behind the mic. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or listen back on your preferred podcast platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group.

Environmentally oriented third level courses, second hand fashion, sustainability at Electric Picnic and a greener way to source back to school supplies. Former President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors Betty McLoughlan gives an overview of the courses on offer to students with an interest in the environment and related subjects ahead of the first round of CAO offers, Dunamaise Box Office Representative Laura Dunne tells us all about their upcoming Sustainable Fashion Event and Baby Swap Shop to mark Second Hand September. Richard Miley, Marketing Lead in An Post Mails & Parcels Department discusses 'Post & Party,' the An Post x Vision Ireland festival pop-up collaboration coming to EP and other efforts by An Post towards a more circular economy and chair of Charity Retail Mark Sweeney on encouraging people to source back to school supplies from their local charity shops.

This week on Let's Go Green, Host Zoe Ryan explores regenerative and biological market gardening with Founder of the 'Grow Together' community project Kate Egan and considers the everyday changes we can engage in to support greener farming methods and reduce food waste. Midlands-based Climate Scientist and Meteorologist Cathal Nolan of Ireland's Weather Channel joins us to comment on some of the repercussions of the weather conditions we have experienced across the summer on the environment and Offaly Heritage Officer Amanda Pedlow highlights the purpose of Heritage Week and outlines some of the events taking place locally.

Let's Go Green with Zoe Ryan

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re exploring two innovative projects rooted in the midlands—one below the ground, the other on the cutting edge of sustainable fashion. Rory Dunphy of the Geothermal Energy Association of Ireland joins me to discuss a new study carried out in Tullamore exploring the potential for geothermal energy in the region. We talk about what this means for local energy use and how it could contribute to Ireland’s broader renewable energy goals. Lynne Gallagher of the Irish Heritage Knitwear Collective shares the story behind efforts to create a sustainable alpaca wool fashion industry in the midlands. From responsible farming to artisan production, we explore what it takes to build a textile sector that supports both the environment and rural communities. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or catch the podcast anytime on your preferred platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on climate action, energy and innovation across Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re sharing some hopeful stories about conservation and community-driven climate action. Owen Murphy of the Breeding Waders project joins me with some welcome good news—the release of a flock of young curlew in the midlands. We talk about what this means for one of Ireland’s most threatened bird species and the wider efforts to protect breeding waders across the country. I’m also joined by Alan Wyley of Energy Cloud, a charity working to eliminate energy poverty in Ireland. We discuss how their innovative approach is helping to provide free, renewable energy to homes in need while supporting the national climate agenda. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or listen back on your preferred podcast platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on sustainability, biodiversity and energy justice across Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green, Aisling O’Rourke highlights Plastic Free July, celebrates Ireland’s food heritage with Seed Savers, and shares life-saving summer water safety tips.

This week on Let’s Go Green, Aisling O’Rourke dives into Ireland’s transport transition—from road safety and e-scooters to climate targets and calls for a national EV scrappage scheme.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re looking at two very different but equally important aspects of our environment – the joy of growing and the risks of environmental exploitation. Anna Browne of Big Sky Flowers joins me to share her passion for seed saving. We talk about why it matters, how to do it properly, and how to avoid causing unintentional damage to your garden or local biodiversity. It’s a simple but powerful way to connect with nature and support pollinators. Dr Tom Ryan of the Environmental Protection Agency also joins me to discuss the ongoing issue of illegal peat harvesting across the region. We examine the lack of enforcement, the environmental consequences, and why this largely hidden activity is a serious concern for climate and water quality. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or listen back on your preferred podcast platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on sustainability, nature and climate action in Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green, Aisling O’Rourke unpacks greenwashing in fashion, waste in Ireland’s wool industry, and the environmental questions surrounding AI’s rapid rise.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re looking at how public services and community projects are stepping up to support environmental action. Ed Gallagher of Laois Fire Services and Neil McCabe of The Green Plan join me to talk about their collaborative work to make Laois Fire Services a more environmentally friendly and sustainable operation. From energy use to waste reduction, we explore the practical changes being made and the impact they’re already having. Shirley Clerkin of Tòchar also returns to the show to discuss public attitudes to wetland restoration. As these vital ecosystems are restored across the country, what does community support look like, and how can public engagement shape the future of these efforts? Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or listen back on your preferred podcast platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on sustainability and climate action across Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we celebrate the beauty of nature and explore how small actions can support biodiversity in our local communities. Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland joins me to share the magic of the dawn chorus and why this natural event is such an important reminder of the wildlife around us. Ricky Whelan of Offaly County Council offers practical advice on how to become a more biodiversity-friendly gardener, with simple steps you can take to make your garden a haven for wildlife. Lisa Doyle of Laois County Council also joins us with a full run down of events happening across the midlands for Biodiversity Week 2025, with something for all ages to enjoy and learn from.

Bad smells and water pollution, how wind energy could be increased by 200% and water conservation are among the items up for discussion on this week’s Let’s Go Green.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we explore what it means to build a business with purpose and how our choices, big and small, can impact the environment. Fiona Parfrey of period care company Riley joins me to share their journey to becoming a B Corp certified company. We talk about what the certification means in practice and why businesses are embracing more sustainable and ethical models. We also take a closer look at a new report highlighting the amount of electricity artificial intelligence tools require. As digital tools become more embedded in our daily lives, what does this mean for our climate goals? Pat Kane of Reuzi returns to talk about her personal commitment to buy no new clothes in 2025. She shares the thinking behind the pledge and how others can reduce their environmental impact through conscious consumption. And we bring you news of a new climate and biodiversity group forming in Offaly, with the aim of supporting local environmental action. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or listen back on your preferred podcast platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on sustainability, community resilience and climate action in Ireland. If you'd like to get involved in the show email Aisling on hello@thecommunicationscoach.ie

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we explore sustainability in farming and the events industry. Kenneth Gill, a beef farmer from County Offaly, shares what it means to farm for nature. We discuss the practical steps farmers can take to protect biodiversity while maintaining a viable business. Caroline O’Doherty, Environment Correspondent with the Irish Independent, looks ahead to a new summit focused on making festivals more environmentally friendly. From waste reduction to greener energy solutions, we explore how the events industry is adapting to sustainability challenges. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or listen back on your preferred podcast platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on sustainability, community resilience and climate action in Ireland. #LetsGoGreen #SustainableFarming #FarmForNature #GreenerFestivals #ClimateAction #Midlands103

This week on Let’s Go Green on Midlands 103, we’re looking at the practical choices and frontline efforts shaping Ireland’s environmental future. Sadhbh O' Neill joins me to discuss the nuts and bolts of choosing to go car free. From daily logistics to the wider environmental benefits, we explore what the shift really involves and how it can work in an Irish context. Chief Fire Officer Aidan Dempsey of Wicklow Fire Services Wicklow County Council shares details of a recent wildfire readiness exercise. As climate change increases the risk of extreme weather events, we look at how emergency services are preparing for the challenges ahead. Eva Mockler, Catchment Scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland, explains the agency’s new nitrogen level reporting system. We discuss how this tool can help track water quality and support more sustainable land and agricultural management. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or catch the podcast anytime on your preferred platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on sustainability, community resilience and climate action in Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green on Midlands 103, we're focusing on practical steps for improving energy efficiency and bringing empty homes back to life. Claire Irwin, Chartered Quantity Surveyor of Irwin Consulting, joins me to explain everything you need to know about applying for a grant to renovate a vacant or derelict home. From eligibility to the application process, we’ll guide you through how to make the most of this opportunity to revitalise unused properties. Paul O Reilly of Wat Footprint is also on the show to talk about energy audits for businesses. We’ll discuss what’s involved, what business owners can expect from the process, and how an audit can help reduce energy costs and improve sustainability. Tune in every Monday night at 7 PM on Midlands 103, or catch the podcast anytime on your favourite platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting essential conversations on sustainability and energy efficiency across Ireland.

Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke

Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re focusing on biodiversity, sustainable farming, and community health. Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, joins me to discuss the county’s upcoming Biodiversity Conference, showcasing the important work being done to protect and restore local ecosystems. We’ll explore why these initiatives matter and how they contribute to a healthier environment. Andrew Chilton of Farming for Nature shares insights into the real challenges Irish farmers face in meeting their environmental commitments. From policy demands to practical solutions, we’ll examine what’s needed to support farmers in balancing food production with sustainability. We’ll also highlight an important health survey taking place in the village of Ballylinan, County Laois. This initiative aims to gather insights into local health concerns and well-being, offering residents a chance to have their voices heard and shape future support services. Tune in every Monday night at 7 PM on Midlands 103, or listen to the podcast anytime on your favourite platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting important conversations about sustainability, the environment, and community well-being in Ireland.