Kenmare women ‘dip’ for new World Record
seriously, other projects and developments will create employment in their own fields, perhaps through pilot projects, education etc.”
There is a wider discussion about an unbalanced energy demand due to tourism demands at different times of the year. Michael is clear what he would like to see in relation to this dynamic: “Firstly a reduction in energy usage throughout the year. Secondly, we are actively trying to expand our tourist season over the entire year if possible. We hope to attract the ‘right kind’ of tourist going forward. More of those seeking to explore the island because of our sustainable development and learn from it.”
Both communities strive for energy security with green hydrogen as the catalyst; it can be produced without a carbon footprint, and has a high-energy density, making it suitable for long-term storage.
Meanwhile, Colum from the Valentia group details the journey so far: “Our priorities right now are very much focused on getting funding for a pilot program to commence producing hydrogen. This comes off the back of a strong foundation of analysis, documentation and community support. Having completed an Energy Master Plan (funded by SEAI), we got a clear baseline of what our energy consumption was on the island. From this, a register of opportunities was created and an energy strategy was defined. This strategy identified hydrogen as an integral part of our journey to energy independence. Following on from this, we completed a feasibility study on the production of green hydrogen in a community owned setting. Following a series of community meetings, we got overwhelming buy-in from the community on Valentia and a strong mandate to follow through on the strategy on the behalf of the community.”
Colum agrees with the message ‘If you focus on sustainability, business can gain’, and there are environmental and financial benefits maintaining. “I could not agree more. We are all aware of a number of financial risks associated with consumption of fossil fuels. We have seen the volatile nature of oil prices, and its very nature leads to uncertainty in a commercial environment. We are also at the beginning of the introduction of carbon taxes, which will only add to the bottom-line costs. The introduction of a sustainably sourced fuel which can be produced in a constant supply of price can only be an attractive offering to commercial organisations. Conversations we have with local businesses say the cost of energy is a major priority for them to stay competitive. “
Mobility, heating, marine are all areas that can benefit, and as Colum explains, that’s not all: “Tourism is an integral part in our local economy and developing a tourism friendly channel is key for us. We have structured the energy co-op so that an education stream can be created. This stream will look to develop a ‘Cool Planets’ Experience, which will build an education experience on sustainable energy. This can be a link to the Eco tourism sector.”
A new energy plan is vital, argues Colum, and a hydrogen solution can produce jobs: “Short term this has provided a focal point for the community to have a real conversation about the opportunities associated with carbon reduction and how we can take a community based approach to the challenge. Long term, we have the opportunity to create valuable employment for the island and achieve energy independence.
“A community owned model will be key to this. This could lead to roles in engineering, transport and education. This proposition is very exciting for us.”
Kenmare Cancer survivor, Lisa Ragosa, and her two friends, Siobhaun O’Sullivan and Marie Thérése Cahill, have played a role in breaking a new World Record.
The three Kenmare women were among thousands who took part in the is year ‘ Virtual Dip’ to raise funds for cancer.
The Virtual Dip 2020, which took place last Saturday, aimed to snag the title of “Most photos of people in water uploaded to Facebook in one hour” and such was the success of their goal that they have broken an official Guinness World Record.
The challenge was for all ladies to take a Virtual Dip – in their togs– even in groups of 4 - In the Bath, Shower, Paddling Pool, Beach River – whatever they wanted.
More importantly the event was to raise funds for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and to date more than €80,000 has been reached and this amount is increasing daily.
Lisa, Siobhaun and Maire Thérése have played a major part in helping raise these funds and have raised almost €600 to date.
They hope to increase those funds substantially in the coming days and are calling on the public to help them raise even more funds for a very worthy cause.
This is the second world record for Strip and Dip, which has to date raised €780,000 for childhood cancer, and purchased a house for the children’s cancer charity Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.
In 2018, it broke the record for the World’s Largest Skinny Dip and Lisa played a part in this world record attempt.
This year she encouraged her two friends to join her and raise funds for this worthy cause.
This year, due to Covid-19, the gathering has been cancelled but the virtual dip challenge took place instead with women uploading their photos to Facebook to break the world record and showing their ‘virtual dips’ around the country.
Lisa, Siobhaun and Maire Thérése chose a hot-tub for their virtual dip and to play their part in the World Record Attempt and on Saturday they stripped off and took the plunge.
All three are thrilled to be part of history and to be part of the World Record books but are even more thrilled to raise funds for such a good cause.
“We are so proud to be part of this Virtual Dip collecting for such an important Children’s Charity - Aoibheann”s Pink Tie, breaking a World record and being involved with a huge amount of amazing women
“Thank you to all that have supported Lisa Ragosa, Siobhaun O’Sullivan and Marie Thérèse Cahill, so far by donating.
Our combined idonate page is still open and we would appreciate any support you can give us.”
Anyone who wants to donate to the cause can do so on Lisa Ragosa’s fundraising page on idonate and help raise funds for a very important cancer fundraiser. The fundraising page will remain open to allow as many donations as possible for a vital childrens cancer fund.