Clew Bay. Photo: Gareth McCormack / Failte Ireland
Saturday, January 1, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Jan. 1, 2022, 9:33 AM
SEAGRASS in Clew Bay is being considered as an option to develop a carbon sink.
Capturing carbon up to 35 times faster than rainforests, its use is an ambition of the group behind the Westport decarbonisation zone.
Local councilors received a presentation on the group’s future plans, which include hemp cultivation, a community-owned energy plan and a biodiversity master plan.
They are also working with local hotels to revitalize their old furniture.
The Westport 2030 vision has three axes: environmental, social and economic.
A short-term plan is to develop carbon sinks in the area, and seaweeds are seen as a great option.
The plant is in decline but the group wants to do a feasibility study to see how the seagrass can be protected and expanded.
It would be the first such project in Ireland and would boost fishing and help Ireland achieve its carbon targets.
Seagrass grows naturally in Clew Bay, between Pidgeon Point and Dornish Island, underwater. What is needed requires some help and a report should be made in 2022.
However, the decarbonisation group does not consider this report to be in-depth enough in terms of its status and whether it is making any benefit to the environment and the species it supports in the sea.
They would like to see divers in the water and then they could expand as needed.
In other short-term projects, a tree planting plan is underway in two local developments – Harbor View and Cedar Park – to capture carbon and promote biodiversity, and there is potential for a community hemp farm. , which is almost twice as efficient as carbon capture trees. Hemp also has other economical uses, such as CBD oil, for insulation and bioplastics.
In the medium term, the group is working on an energy master plan, which includes modernizations and an audit of community buildings. A community-owned energy plan is also proposed.
Active travel is a key pillar, with 15 Minute Westport examining walking and cycling routes.
In the economic field, they want to empower companies. Working with hotels, when they throw away furniture, they look to get value out of it, repair it, and sell it.
Westport Tidy Towns President Rhona Chambers said local environmental volunteer groups have held meetings so they can work together to take the projects forward.
He highlighted the obstacles facing groups, such as insurance, health and safety statements, risk assessments, bank accounts, access to grants, and said a full-time administrative person is needed to take charge. of this work for groups.
Councilor Sean Carey said the marine pasture project is one that could be expanded and deserved all the help.
Saturday, January 1, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Jan. 1, 2022, 9:33 AM
