Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we bring you a mix of global climate developments, national policy in housing and skills, and an inspiring sustainability initiative for young people. Caroline O’Doherty, Climate Correspondent with the Irish Times, returns with an update on the disappointing conclusion of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. While the final outcomes fell short of expectations, there is a glimmer of hope with a new climate conference planned for Colombia in the spring, where up to 90 countries have committed to working together on action around fossil fuels. John Kelly of the Mount Lucas National Construction and Training Campus joins me to talk about modern methods of construction. Frequently mentioned in the government’s new housing plans, we explore what training is available for young people entering the sector and for construction workers looking to upskill or retrain. And Midlands 103’s own Zoe Ryan reports on Resparkled, a new initiative from Vision Ireland and Junk Kouture. Aimed at teenagers across the country, it encourages young people to reimagine their wardrobes in a more sustainable and eco-conscious way. If you’d like to suggest a topic or guest for a future episode, you can reach me at hello@thecommunicationscoach.ie. Tune in every Monday night at 7pm on Midlands 103 or catch the podcast on your preferred platform. Let’s Go Green is proudly sponsored by EirGrid Group, supporting informed conversations on sustainability, innovation and climate action across Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re bringing you updates from the global climate stage, corporate sustainability insights and a new grassroots initiative in the midlands. Caroline O’Doherty, Climate and Science Correspondent with the Irish Times, joins us from Brazil with the latest developments from COP30. We discuss the key issues being negotiated, Ireland’s role in the talks, and the possibility of an Irish COP being hosted in the future. Caroline Hoffman of The Cube and Amanda Glancy of Siro join me to talk about their recent sustainability report. We explore how collaboration between business and innovation hubs is driving climate action, and what their findings mean for the future of sustainable enterprise in Ireland. And there’s news from the Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group, who are launching a new Climate Café in Clara. We take a look at how this community-led initiative aims to create space for conversation, connection and climate awareness. If you’d like to suggest a topic or guest for a future episode, you can get in touch with me at hello@thecommunicationscoach.ie. 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, innovation and community action across Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re exploring the powerful links between health, transport and nature-friendly farming. Dr Caoimhe Clarke of the Climate and Health Alliance and Irish Doctors for the Environment joins me to discuss their new report, Active Travel: The Magic Pill. We talk about the wide-reaching health benefits of walking, cycling and reducing our reliance on cars—and why active travel should be seen as essential public health policy, not just a transport option. Margaret Edgill of Mount Briscoe Farm also joins me to talk about her work as a regenerative farmer and her recent recognition as a Farming for Nature Ambassador. We discuss how nature orientated farming supports biodiversity, builds resilience and reconnects communities with the land. 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.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we examine the environmental commitments shaping both national and local conversations in Ireland. Dr. Cara Augustenborg Augustenborg joins me to assess the climate change promises from both Presidential candidates; Catherine Connolly (Independent) and Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael), ahead of Friday’s vote. We look at how their campaigns are addressing the climate crisis and what this could mean for Ireland’s environmental future. Dr Hugh Feeley of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland walks us through the agency’s latest findings on water quality. From agricultural pressures to urban waste, we discuss what the data tells us about the state of Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters. And Professor Yvonne Buckley of the Climate Change Advisory Council Ireland issues a stark warning on Ireland’s biodiversity loss. We explore what’s at risk and why urgent action is needed to halt further decline. 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.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re examining how national policy, community safety and business leadership intersect with sustainability. Niall Conroy of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council joins me to reflect on Budget 2026 and what it does—or doesn’t—deliver in terms of environmental investment. We discuss where the funding is going, what’s missing, and how it aligns with Ireland’s climate commitments. Inspector Ralph Holmes shares practical advice on getting your vehicle winter ready. As the colder months set in, we look at how to stay safe on the roads while also keeping fuel use efficient and responsible. And Neil Skeffington of Novelplast explains how his company is putting the social into ESG. From supporting staff wellbeing to engaging with the local community, we explore what meaningful sustainability looks like beyond environmental metrics. 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, resilience and climate leadership across Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re focusing on taking climate action at home and in the community, and we mark the loss of a truly unique voice in Irish environmental storytelling. Odran Casey of Electric Ireland joins me to explain the key steps involved in installing solar panels on your home. We look at what homeowners need to consider, the grants available, and how solar energy can contribute to long-term savings and sustainability. Hans Zomer of Global Action Plan - GAP Ireland speaks to us ahead of Community Gardens Week. We explore the role of community gardens in building resilience, improving wellbeing and bringing people together around a shared commitment to the environment. And I pay tribute to Manchán Magan, who passed away on Friday at the age of 55. A writer, broadcaster and passionate advocate for Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage, Manchán’s work inspired many to see the world, and our place in it with greater care and curiosity. 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 action and climate leadership across Ireland.

This week on Let’s Go Green with Aisling O’Rourke on Midlands 103, we’re looking at how environmental challenges are being investigated, understood and tackled, from our rivers to our recycling bins. Caroline O’Doherty, Climate and Science Correspondent with the Irish Times, joins me to discuss the mystery surrounding a major fish kill in County Cork. We explore what is known so far, how incidents like this are investigated, and the wider implications for water quality and regulation. Dr Compost, also known as Craig Benton, joins us to help improve how we manage our waste at home. From recycling myths to composting tips, he breaks down how to reduce confusion and get it right. And Tom Popple joins me to talk about the Climate Carnival taking place in Laois this week. With events, workshops and activities for all ages, it’s a chance for communities to come together and learn more about climate action in a fun and engaging way. 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.

Let's Go Green with Aisling O'Rourke

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 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.