What is a Sustainable Community?

The definition of what is a sustainable community has been taken from SEAI ‘Guidelines for a Sustainable Community and related back to the island by Shirley Gallagher. This is available from their site www.seai.ie but also on the facebook group sustainable islands, under files as is other important documentation.

It should be a sustainable energy zone-a specific geographical area. As Arran is an island, our geographical boundary is obvious. This should allow others to become aware of the idea and allow us to become a test site for innovative products.

An example is the KickTrike. This is still in testing phase; however we are currently in talks to produce the product on Arran and also to use them. We are hoping it will be a disruptive innovation is an innovation that disrupts, improves and replaces an existing product over time in unexpected ways. The KickTrike will be demonstrated at the upcoming event in Howth Yacht Club ‘Ammunition for Success’ where Dr Shirley Gallagher and Mr Axel Pohle, colleagues at Irish Radio International (www.irishradiointernational.com) will discuss how Arran is leading the flock in sustainable communities on the 9^th January 2014. A demonstration on the island, including a visit to the braes, School, Glen, Jimmy Ward’s and Barr an Baile Mor will be hosted by SysPro;Systems for Progress Limited on the 10^th January 2014.

It should cover all aspects of society, residential, educational, commercial and public. Stakeholders are from all sectors, private and public.

Many members of Arranmore society have received notification of the SMILEGOV initiative, many have returned their letters of support and others are encouraged to engage, question and support initiative. Using face to face meetings as well as the use of social media has been critical. It is believed that the diaspora are part of the solution, where many would chose to return home if work was available. As a result they have been included in the consultation.

It should have strong stakeholder community commitment. Ensure momentum is maintained and improved.

Working on the council idea came about from Shirley’s visit to Scandinavia and discussion of their best practises. Bere Island, Co Cork created their council in 2004. John Walsh, Chairman of Comhdhaill will visit Arranmore on Saturday 29^th March 2014 to share his experience on Bere and on the creation of the West Cork Islands initiative. We would encourage everyone to attend the meeting that is interested in creating a united and fairer society in Arranmore.

It must have a defined management structure and process.

This is where the need for a council of island representatives is critical. It is perceived that we will have a representative for every 20 persons. It has been proposed that the townlands and business sectors should be represented as well as the educational and health establishments.

A baseline energy study must be fully understood

We are completely dependent on fossil fuel at present and as cost rises we need to think smarter in how we manage these costs. The feasibility report will include a baseline energy study to ensure we know where we started from in terms of energy. We need to create and aim for SMART (specific, measurable, accurate, realistic and timely) targets that are integrated into our society with energy efficient projects and a sustainable energy supply.

It must be replicable and a good practise study

This is to allow others to follow our example and benefit from our knowledge and learning experiences. This will provide a flow of people to the island, eco tourists eager to learn how they can do the same. Other places such as Samso, Denmark, Orkneys, Scotland and Gussing, Austria have found this to be the case but also it has led to an increase in population and job opportunities. The 8 inhabited West Cork islands and Inis Mor are also involved in SMILEGOV and are driving forward on their islands.

It must provide clear recognisable benefits

We believe that creating a focus on energy and its role in producing future jobs, will increase community engagement, empower islanders, increase population, improve health and increase tourism.

Funding of the projects that develop will come from a number of sources.

By Shirley Gallagher