The second LSG meeting of Semester 4 took place via Zoom as Ireland is still in Level 5 Covid19 restrictions, meaning that we it is obliged to work from home. Michael Tunney, SinCE-AFC PP6 Project Manager chaired the meeting.
Attendees – Michael Tunney, Maura Toner, Eve-Anne McCarron, Margaret Campbell, Margaret McGettigan, Ernan McGettigan, Karoline Sweeney, David Leonard, , Hugh O’Donnell, Sean Roarty, Hughie Mac Suibhne and Nicola Dunnion.
At the outset Maura Toner, SinCE-AFC Project Executive gave a summary of her work since the last LSG meeting on the 9th February 2021 which included an overview of the various online seminars and events she attended in the area of the Circular Economy. These included, among others:-
• EU Green Deal – A 3 day series hosted by the Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA)
• CirculÉire – 4 individual events in relation to Industrial Symbiosis, SymbioBeer and Circular Procurement
• Donegal County Council/LEO – 4 events in relation to Food Producers, Circular Economy, Sustainability, Green for Micro Programme, Funding opportunities for the Blue Economy.
• MODUS - final event regarding the CE in Ireland
• Interreg Europe – fostering the circular transformation of businesses.
The LSG were advised that the 2nd Stakeholder Consultation process is underway.
Maura Toner gave examples of her research into GPs which included Meade Food Group’s production of starch from excess/waste potatoes and Hexafly who are producing insect protein. The members of the stakeholder group were encouraged to visit the Interreg Europe and SinCE-AFC website to review Good Practices researched project partners of SinCE-AFC project.
The LSG members were invited to attend the upcoming online event being organised by Wielkopolksa Region, Poland in May, dates to be confirmed.
Hugh O’Donnell queried the merit of including seaweed in cattle feed and of Donegal beef farmers coming together to implement and promote this as a USP, thereby creating an appellation which could be hugely beneficial for both the agricultural and food sector in the county. Maura advised that this issue was discussed on the Ear to the Ground TV programme last week, which included details of research being done in Co. Cork which is showing a reduction of 90% methane in cattle which were fed a particular species of seaweed.
The LSG were advised that an Invitation to Quote has been circulated to Consultants/Experts in the area of the Green/Sustainability/CE to develop the Action Plan. The closing date is fast approaching and it’s intended to appoint the successful Expert at the earliest opportunity so that their work will be completed within a 3-4 month time frame.
The next LSG meeting is scheduled for 7th September 2021.
