PICTURES: Emly celebrate sign unveiling as they reach sustainable goals

Emly Summer Festival proudly unveiled a sign recently to mark their sustainable goal achievements. See the full story below. 

USE THE ARROWS ABOVE OR NEXT BUTTON TO SEE ALL THE PICS

Tipperary Co Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Burgess said he was honoured to be asked by the Emly Summer Festival Committee, to unveil a sign, in conjunction with the Emly Tidy Towns Group, on Saturday July 13th, to mark their contribution to the 17 Sustainable Goals.

The car park area in Emly was a hive of activity on Saturday, as there was a Summer Market taking place there, and the large crowd that attended also enjoyed the entertainment provided by the CJ Kickham Band.

There was a very novel vintage bike event taking place on the day and this also proved to be a great attraction. In unveiling the sign I spoke about the relevance of Sustainable Development Goals in a Parish Community.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development. These 17 goals aim to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

While these goals are designed with a global perspective, their relevance and application at local level, particularly within parish communities, are profound and impactful. The SDGs provide a universal framework that can be effectively applied at the local level to create meaningful change.

"Parish communities, with their strong social networks and commitment to service, are uniquely positioned to advance these goals. By integrating the principles of the SDGs into their activities, parishes can not only improve their immediate environment but also contribute to the global effort for a more sustainable and equitable world," said Martin Quinn.

"By integrating these initiatives into the fabric of parish life, your community can make a significant contribution to the achievement of the SDGs, fostering a more sustainable, just, and compassionate world". I also spoke about the efforts of the Emly Tidy Towns Group in advancing these goals and about their work in organising community clean-up days and recycling programs, which help to create a more sustainable living environment.

"Your support and participation in local biodiversity projects, such as planting native species and creating wildlife habitats, and your use of sustainable landscaping practices around parish properties is to be commended. Your parish is leading by example through eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and using sustainable materials, and we can all learn lessons from your use of the SDGs" were my concluding remarks. I was also delighted to have the opportunity to read a poem that I composed for the Festival titled 'Leave No One Behind', after the unveiling of the sign," Mr Quinn said.

During the Summer Festival a plaque and remembrance garden to the late Paddy Ryan was unveiled outside the entrance to the Glen Court estate by the Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Declan Burgess.

Many tributes were paid to Paddy, who was one of the stalwarts of the Emly Tidy Towns Group, and the plaque and garden was described as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to improving the village and surrounding areas.