Local companies in Inishowen have helped to launch a new soil regeneration initiative by Ireland North-West City Region, as part of the European Commission’s Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC).
‘Grow Eat Compost Repeat’ promotes a circular economy where biodegradable food, garden and park waste are converted into high quality microbial compost.
The initiative, led by the ICC Donegal team, was launched at the Clonmany Market House last week.
Led by KPM Soils and supported by Donegal County Council, this initiative brings together a large community of businesses, biodegradable garden and park waste donors and regenerative soil users to create a community-wide circular economy solution.
The Ireland North-West City Region launched its Local Green Deal initiative, “Grow Eat Compost Repeat,” at Clonmany Market House. Led by the Intelligent Cities Challenge Donegal team (ERNACT, Donegal County Council and KPM Soils).
Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen Municipal District, Jack Murray, joined the signing event, demonstrating his support for the initiative. He shared that, “The Local Green Deal is a shining example of community climate action, highlighting the importance of regenerating our soil, and using our local resources in a sustainable way to benefit us all. Donegal County Council is proud to support this initiative”.
15 local companies, along with community groups and Donegal County Council, have already committed to the project, underscoring the region’s strong dedication to sustainable practices. Among the participants are Clonmany Community Centre, Clonmany Mental Health Association, Clonmany Community Garden, Spraoi agus Sport, Clonmany Community Pantry, Clonmany PreSchool, Acorn Farm Project, Inishowen Co-Op, The Conservation Volunteers, The Square Bar, The Market House Café, Cafe Banba, Clonmany Tidy Towns, Inish Forestry and Simply Inish. The event was attended by representatives from community organizations, social enterprises, local businesses, Donegal County Council, and Saverio Romeo, the City Region’s lead expert from the European Commission, all showing support for this environmentally driven initiative.
The Ireland North-West City Region, which includes Donegal and Derry/Strabane, is one of 64 cities and regions across Europe participating in the European Commission’s Intelligent Cities Challenge 2.0 (ICC), aimed at advancing green and digital transitions.
This event reflects the region’s commitment to the European Green Deal’s goals, using Local Green Deals (LGDs), collaborative agreements between local authorities, business and communities to accelerate sustainability efforts at the local level.
Margaret Quinn, ERNACT Programme Manager and NW Ireland City Region ICC Team Leader, commented, “The Intelligent Cities Challenge programme gives the impetus to make LGD’s happen. But it all depends on local participation. We are very fortunate to have the local capability of KPM Soils on soil regeneration, great support from Clonmany and the wider Inishowen community and the involvement of Donegal County Council climate action team. The approach could be replicated across the county and country to bring significant environmental, health, and climate action benefits.”
Saverio Romeo, European Commission expert, “The Local Green Deal is a strategy instrument that brings together local authorities, local businesses, and other local stakeholders to design and develop climate friendly and sustainable solutions for the entire community. At Clonmany in Donegal, the ICC North West City Region team enabled that, and KPM Soils, Donegal City Council and the other 13 organisations, together, made it real”.
