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‘Biobus’ to visit Killarney as part of tour of Ireland to reduce reliance on fossil fuel

Derek O’Brien; BiOrbic SFI Bioeconomy research centre Executive Director Amanda Mathieson; BiOrbic SFI Bioeconomy research centrePublic Engagement Education and Communications Manager and Prof. Kevin O’Connor; BiOrbic SFI Bioeconomy research centre Director.

A first of its kind, interactive ‘Biobus’ designed to show people how to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in everyday life, has embarked on a five-week journey of Ireland, calling at College Square, Killarney, from 8.30am-12.30pm, on October 27.

The ‘Biobus’ was specially developed by BiOrbic. The Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre is Ireland’s national bioeconomy research centre, a national collaboration of researchers from 12 of Ireland’s universities working with industry and other stakeholders, focused on the development of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.

The national Biobus tour launched as part of this year’s Bioeconomy Ireland Week. The tours will cover 36 locations including Gaeltacht communities, visiting every county and inviting schools, community groups and individuals to learn about the bioeconomy and how local companies are already developing innovative bio-based products. The bus will be powered by 100% renewable plant waste matter provided by Irish company Certa.

Prof Kevin O’Connor, Director of BiOrbic explains what visitors to the Biobus can expect:
“The Biobus explores just how much we rely on fossil fuels and presents examples of everyday bio-based products, with many of these examples coming from home-grown Irish companies or Irish research projects, including Kerry-based Seabody Cosmetics.

“What may be shocking to Biobus visitors is how our reliance on fossil fuels goes much further than just energy, fuel and plastic. Almost every modern-day product contains some element of petrochemicals, which is unsustainable. The bioeconomy provides what society needs from renewable, bio-based sources such as plants, animals and microbes.

“We are at the early stages of a bio-revolution, where we will transition from a dependence on fossil resources to a more sustainable and balanced circular bioeconomy. Ireland is particularly well placed to be a leader in this space. We already have Agri-food and Marine industries of global significance as well as a profile of large companies and SMEs driving innovation with sustainability to the fore”

As well as reducing waste through the production of biodegradable materials, the bioeconomy approach can help meet Ireland’s climate targets by establishing a sustainable, circular and environmentally friendly economy.

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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