On Saturday 15th November 2008 the group held an important seminar on the issue of Peak Oil and its impact on our lives.

Jeremy Gilbert, ex BP Chief Engineer, gave an enlightening insight into the world of Oil Companies and oil production. While not suggesting a date, past or future, for peak oil production he left us in little doubt that the gap between future demand and future supply of oil and natural gas is widening.

Klaus Harvey of Transition Town Kinsale outlined the principles of the Transition Movement and described how they were put into practice in Kinsale. Caroline Robinson, of Cork Free Choice, gave a very upbeat talk on the life of a smallholder in Ireland. Caroline has 30 acres and using organic methods makes a living from the land while cutting out food miles and exposure to various toxins for her customers.

There were approximately 40 in attendance and a lively discussion on how Midleton might face the challenge of Peak OIl followed.

ON October 16th we held the first of our Autumn / Winter events by screening the Power of Community; How Cuba survived Peak Oil. We were very pleased with the turnout of 20 people, some familiar faces and others new. There was a  healthy discussion afterwards on the transferability, or not, of the Cuban experience to Ireland.  

Funding Applications

At present the group relies solely on the donations of people attending events or the income from events with an admission charge. However, we are hopeful that the group’s activities will come under the Local Agenda 21 (local authority) funding in 2009.

other areas

Recent actions included:

The group wrote to Bus Eireann and Irish Rail regarding the present and proposed facility to carry a bicycle on bus or train from Midleton to Cork and back. Bus Eireann offer this facility but at a cost of €12 each way. We believe this to be prohibitive to commuters. Irish Rail’s response is that they will consider our suggestions. We are forwarding the letters to the Department of the Environment.

We have submitted a letter to An Bord Pleanala urging them to refuse permission to the proposed Indaver Ireland waste to energy facility (incinerator). We have received notification of an oral hearing to take place at the end of April. See www.chaseireland.org/ for more information on the campaign against the facility.