GAA clubs commit to sustainability action
Phase three of the GAA Green Club Programme was launched with an orientation event at Croke Park stadium on Saturday, 22 March. Over 200 new clubs have joined the programme bringing the total number of clubs involved since the programme was established to over 400.
Clubs in the programme follow a series of steps to become recognised as an official GAA Green club by implementing a minimum of two projects from across a range of actions related to energy, waste, water, biodiversity and travel and transport.
Five Clubs have been selected to commit to a specific process aligned to the ACCESS project. These clubs have committed to action plans by adopting a ‘Green Goals’ charter.
The clubs represent a diverse range of urban and rural communities across the island if Ireland, committing to a range of actions, making this an important intake and addition to the project’s legacy.
The Clubs come from five different counties of Ireland, namely County Mayo where Kilmeena GAA committed to planting over 100- native trees at the club and managing their hedgerows for biodiversity and establishing a gear swap show to encouraging the reuse of sports gear and equipment and implementing a new sustainable waste management system in the club.
Milltown in County Westmeath wants to see the installation of Solar PV panels on the roof of the clubhouse to generate renewable energy. Furthermore, they will proceed with the installation of new bike racks in the club to encourage members and supporters to cycle to the club.
In County Rosscommon, St. Aidan’s GAA will follow with the installation of bike racks not only to support sustainable by club members but also for use by the nearby local primary school. To cut the production of plastic waste, they want to see the installation of an outside drinking water tap and the promotion of reusable water bottles to reduce the use of single-use plastic in the club; the holding of annual gear swaps to encourage the reuse of gear and equipment by club members.
Planting in club colours for the creation of habitats and food sources for pollinators and distribution of reusable water bottles to the camogie teams as well as underage teams throughout the club to reduce single use plastic are two actions Windgap GAA in County Kilkenny committed to.
Finaly, Cappagh GAA in County Kildare will eliminate single use plastic in the club, focusing on water bottles and tea and coffee cups. They will also look at planting of a mini-orchard on what had previously been waste land at the end of the club pitch