Infrastructure and Biodiversity: Sustaining Cork’s Future
The Sustainable Cork Programme (SCP) is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.
Part of this vision is a world where economic development and the natural environment can exist in equilibrium. Yet, all infrastructure developments have an impact on the natural environment and biodiversity.
Join us for this in-person Sustainable Cork Programme panel discussion, taking place during SDG Week, at the recently opened Education, Conservation and Research Centre at Fota Wildlife Park, where we will explore Cork's infrastructure and biodiversity and the opportunities that await business.
Biodiversity has intrinsic value that cannot be easily quantified yet its presence is felt in every sector of society. From a Cork point of view, the richness and diversity of its biodiversity is the lifeblood of the city and fundamental to the quality of life of all citizens. Every effort must be made to enhance and protect this natural fabric, which strengthens our communities' resilience and bolsters Cork's reputation for attracting and retaining investment, skills, and talent.
Our city region is growing, with plans afoot to transform the Docklands, enhance public transport and develop Cork as a hub for renewable energy. As these developments take hold businesses have a golden opportunity to lead the charge in reversing biodiversity loss.
Join our upcoming Sustainable Cork Programme event to discover how your business can drive growth and innovation, while actively contributing to the SDGs and safeguarding Cork’s natural capital. Let’s build a future where Cork’s business community and nature thrive together.
Part of this vision is a world where economic development and the natural environment can exist in equilibrium. Yet, all infrastructure developments have an impact on the natural environment and biodiversity.
Join us for this in-person Sustainable Cork Programme panel discussion, taking place during SDG Week, at the recently opened Education, Conservation and Research Centre at Fota Wildlife Park, where we will explore Cork's infrastructure and biodiversity and the opportunities that await business.
Biodiversity has intrinsic value that cannot be easily quantified yet its presence is felt in every sector of society. From a Cork point of view, the richness and diversity of its biodiversity is the lifeblood of the city and fundamental to the quality of life of all citizens. Every effort must be made to enhance and protect this natural fabric, which strengthens our communities' resilience and bolsters Cork's reputation for attracting and retaining investment, skills, and talent.
Our city region is growing, with plans afoot to transform the Docklands, enhance public transport and develop Cork as a hub for renewable energy. As these developments take hold businesses have a golden opportunity to lead the charge in reversing biodiversity loss.
Join our upcoming Sustainable Cork Programme event to discover how your business can drive growth and innovation, while actively contributing to the SDGs and safeguarding Cork’s natural capital. Let’s build a future where Cork’s business community and nature thrive together.
Exclusive Post-Event Opportunity:
Following the event, we invite you to join a complimentary 1-hour tour of the ESB Aghada Power Station. This guided tour provides a unique insight into the operations of one of Ireland's key energy facilities and showcases advancements in sustainable energy. A bus will depart from Fota immediately after the event at 12:15pm and will return to Fota upon completion of the tour at approximately 2:15pm. Spaces on the tour are limited, so please reserve your spot at time of booking.
Following the event, we invite you to join a complimentary 1-hour tour of the ESB Aghada Power Station. This guided tour provides a unique insight into the operations of one of Ireland's key energy facilities and showcases advancements in sustainable energy. A bus will depart from Fota immediately after the event at 12:15pm and will return to Fota upon completion of the tour at approximately 2:15pm. Spaces on the tour are limited, so please reserve your spot at time of booking.
Panellists
The Sustainable Cork Programme is in association with Cork Chamber Skillnet, ESB Generation & Trading and Statkraft.Claire Quane, Head of Renewable Operations in ESB Generation and Trading
Claire is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the renewable and renewable enabling generation portfolio. The ESB renewable generation portfolio has multiple technologies, including, BESS, Pumped Storage, Wind, Hydro, solar. Claire joined ESB in 2000 and has held a variety of technical and managerial positions across ESB Generation and Trading and ESB Networks. Claire graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from UCC, and holds post graduate diplomas in Strategy Development and Innovation and Business Finance from UCD Smurfit Business School.
Michael Goan, Urban Design and Sustainability Manager, Land Development Agency
Michael Goan is an RIAI registered Architect with 26 years professional experience and also holds an MSc in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies. He is a former Chair of the RIAI Sustainability Task Force and a current Board Member of the Irish Architecture Foundation. Michael joined the Land Development Agency (LDA) in 2020 and leads the Sustainability Team, which has recently completed and published the Agency’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
Colette Shirley, Director of Sustainability, Bank of Ireland
A graduate of UCD and post-graduate of ACCA, Colette has over 20 years' experience of international banking in Ireland and the UK, with Bank of Ireland Group. Colette has worked across various sectors including Support Services, TMT, Infrastructure, Industrials and Financial Services and most recently headed up the Healthcare Team in Corporate Banking Ireland. Colette is now the Director of the Sustainability Team for the Corporate and Commercial Division and has experience at guiding companies on materiality topics, KPIs and sustainable financing solutions.
Facilitator: Maria Kirrane, Head of Sustainability and Climate Action, UCC
Maria oversees the development and delivery of the University’s ambitious Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Maria has developed a number of innovative programmes in UCC including the Green Campus Living Laboratory and Climate Literacy training. Maria is also a Director of social enterprise “The Toy Library Ireland”, she holds a PhD in Zoology and degree in Ecology.
Michael Goan, Urban Design and Sustainability Manager, Land Development Agency
Michael Goan is an RIAI registered Architect with 26 years professional experience and also holds an MSc in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies. He is a former Chair of the RIAI Sustainability Task Force and a current Board Member of the Irish Architecture Foundation. Michael joined the Land Development Agency (LDA) in 2020 and leads the Sustainability Team, which has recently completed and published the Agency’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
Colette Shirley, Director of Sustainability, Bank of Ireland
A graduate of UCD and post-graduate of ACCA, Colette has over 20 years' experience of international banking in Ireland and the UK, with Bank of Ireland Group. Colette has worked across various sectors including Support Services, TMT, Infrastructure, Industrials and Financial Services and most recently headed up the Healthcare Team in Corporate Banking Ireland. Colette is now the Director of the Sustainability Team for the Corporate and Commercial Division and has experience at guiding companies on materiality topics, KPIs and sustainable financing solutions.
Facilitator: Maria Kirrane, Head of Sustainability and Climate Action, UCC
Maria oversees the development and delivery of the University’s ambitious Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Maria has developed a number of innovative programmes in UCC including the Green Campus Living Laboratory and Climate Literacy training. Maria is also a Director of social enterprise “The Toy Library Ireland”, she holds a PhD in Zoology and degree in Ecology.
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The Sustainable Cork Programme is rooted in the Chamber's commitment to the UN SDGs and the vision for Cork and is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.
