Pictured above are some of those who attended the recent Transition Monaghan AGM. Front row (left to right): Liam Murtagh, Margaret Palmer, Jennifer McAree, Susanah McKeon, John McKeon. Back row: Mícheál Callaghan, Michael Connolly, Dearbhla Lenehan and Ollan Herr.

On Saturday last Transition Monaghan elected their new committee for 2015 – 2016 at their AGM in Monaghan town. The group also reflected on a busy year and discussed a number of innovative sustainability projects planned for the coming year. Mícheál Callaghan who was re-elected Chairperson says that anyone who is interested in joining the Group to become involved in a project would be welcomed by the group.

The new committee is comprised of Mícheál Callaghan (Chairperson), Conan Connolly (Secretary) and Michael Connolly (Treasurer). Transition Monaghan is a county wide voluntary initiative which seeks to promote sustainability and well–being in Co. Monaghan. As well as this weekly column, we run a number of events throughout the year, such as our cost efficient home event last year. We have just received a grant from Monaghan County Council to take part in their 2016 commemorations next year. We will begin work shortly on organising an event which looks at how various groups can improve the quality of life in Monghan over the next 100 years, with various sustainability challenges in mind, such as climate change. We will also focus heavily on updating our website and reaching out to new members over the coming years. Membership is free, and we always welcome new input and ideas. If you feel that you have an idea to suggest, or some time to give to the group over the coming year we would love to hear from you. In particular, we would welcome any volunteers with expertise in PR and web – design, as well as anyone with a background in the arts or culture who may have ideas for creative campaigns and event. You can get in touch with us on transitionmonaghan@gmail.com

Mobilising for Paris Climate Conference

The Climate Conference (COP21) in Paris this December represents an important moment in the struggle to tackle climate change. For two weeks (30 November – 11 December) leaders and teams of negotiators will be locked away in negotiations to hammer out a new global deal on climate change. Here in Ireland the ‘Stop Climate Chaos’ coalition is planning to facilitate a group of people to travel to Paris to participate in activities on 11 & 12 December. As part of the mobilising of young people An Taisce proposes to create a ‘National Youth Forum for Engagement with Climate Change’. They are seeking crowdfunding support, i.e. donations in order to help support the initiative. For details on the above see ‘Latest News’ at www.antaisce.org