In this Youth Month special, Plan International’s Chief Programme Officer Damien Queally joins youth host Ciara O’Brien to unpack what truly locally led, gender-responsive programming looks like—especially where climate shocks meet the built environment. “If you’re not bringing young voices in, you’re making decisions with your eyes closed.” From safe, climate-resilient schools and health centres to inclusive streets, water systems, and shelters that protect girls, Damien makes the case for community-owned solutions that put young people—particularly girls—at the centre of how we design, govern, and maintain the places we live. Tune into Plan International Chief Programmes Officer, Damien Queally, and Plan International Global Young Influencer, Ciara O’Brien, as they discuss their work with Plan International, a global organisation focused on improving the lives of girls and women in the developing world in a sustainable and equitable way. Their conversation focuses around their approach to this work, youth leadership within the organisation, and current affairs.   Damien Queally Plan International “We shouldn’t be in a community for 30 or 40 years—our job is to help build self-reliance and shift ownership locally.” As Plan International focuses on International Day of the Girl 2025, we dive into the campaign in more detail. The launch of the 2025 State of the World Girls Report has caused a stir in the international community. Damien and Ciara explore the specifics of the research and the gl...

"Generation Restoration wonderfully weaves together the most important ingredients of how we can heal ourselves and the planet. The book is the culmination of Tim’s last twenty-nine years of work and life experience. Experience that has included leading parts of the United Nations’ Environment Programmes to his current role as VP of Climate Action at Salesforce. It is hard to imagine anyone better placed to illustrate to the human race how restoration is the key to health, wealth and happiness. We are nature. When we restore nature, we restore ourselves. Read Generation Restoration to find out how.” Jackie De Burca Tim Christophersen podcast Constructive Voices Tim Christophersen Podcast Available From Tuesday 14th October A gripping, hopeful roadmap to repair our relationship with nature—within a single generation. What if the next step in human evolution is learning to restore rather than extract? In this episode, Jackie de Burca speaks with first-time author and renowned nature leader Tim Christophersen to explore his new book, Generation Restoration (launching 14 October 2025). From East Africa’s shrinking migrations to a small Danish farm buzzing back to life, Tim makes the case that restoration at planetary scale is not only possible—it’s already underway.

Unpacking how nature credits could reshape the way we value biodiversity and fund its restoration with Dr. Brian MacSharry of the European Environment Agency In this episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca interviews Dr. Brian MacSharry from the European Environment Agency to discuss the concept of nature credits, their significance in the context of biodiversity, and how they differ from carbon credits. Brian shares insights from his extensive career in environmental policy, emphasising the importance of recognising the role of biodiversity in our economy and society. The conversation explores the challenges of measuring biodiversity, the roadmap for implementing nature credits, and the potential for incentivising private sector involvement in conservation efforts. Brian concludes with actionable steps for individuals and businesses to support biodiversity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode With Dr. Brian MacSharry: The difference between carbon credits and nature credits, and why biodiversity is harder to measure. How businesses and economies are far more dependent on nature than most people realise. Why the European Union’s roadmap for nature credits is both ambitious and full of open questions. How pilot projects across Europe are already testing new models of valuing biodiversity. Practical ways individuals, businesses, and policymakers can support biodiversity today.

How Ireland is making homes warmer, cheaper to run, and lower-carbon—at real scale—and what you should actually do first. Ireland’s Retrofit Race Ireland set out to decarbonise its housing by upgrading existing homes—insulation first, fossil heating out, heat pumps and other renewables in. Dr. Ciarán Byrne from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland explains what “retrofit” really means, where the numbers stand, what’s working, and how to start your own upgrade without getting overwhelmed. Ireland’s Retrofit Race with Dr. Ciarán Byrne “Anything you do in this space is no-regrets work.” Dr. Ciarán Byrne C Dir Why listen to Ireland’s Retrofit Race Plain-English retrofit 101: What counts, what doesn’t, and why external wall insulation can make a whole street look brand new. Real progress, real targets: Thousands of upgrades each year, with a growing share of homes reaching a strong BER rating. Money + logistics, demystified: Grants that can be netted off your bill, low-cost green loans, and why using registered contractors matters. Old buildings, smart fixes: How “breathable” materials and traditional-home know-how avoid moisture traps in heritage fabric. Myths busted: You usually don’t need to move out for a deep retrofit; confusion often comes from bundling retrofits with kitchen or bathroom refits. Ireland’s Retrofit Race Pilot Projects Under 1 Minute Snippet

Safety isn’t a box-tick—it’s a living culture. David Picton shares hard-won lessons from military logistics to boardrooms and major infrastructure projects. We dig into why lone workers are growing fast, how extreme weather is reshaping site risks, and how connecting culture with smart tech turns “compliance” into prevention. You’ll hear real examples—from JLL to Costain—and a pragmatic playbook any firm can use. “Safety works when everyone has permission to call it out—from apprentices to execs.” David Picton What we cover with David Picton 1.  Lone workers: why they’re on the rise, the unique risks they face, and how to protect them. 2. Climate disruption on site: heat, storms, floods—and the simple factors (shade, hydration, acclimatisation, permission to speak up) that change outcomes. 3. Culture that speaks up: the “permission” moment that proves safety works when everyone can challenge—even a junior apprentice. 4. Data into decisions: how visibility lifts reporting and drives action. 5. SME playbook: low-cost, high-impact moves for smaller firms to handle extreme weather and continuity. Courtesy of Ecoonline “Technology plus culture is the shift—from basic compliance to predicting issues before they happen.” David Picton Practical takeaways for daily use Start with risk assessments on your highest-exposure tasks and locations. Keep them live as conditions change. Plan for weather: set clear comms trees, cross-training, and alternative task lists for 

A short, sharp burst of optimism from the built environment. This episode: how floating neighbourhoods can power and protect themselves; why the EU wants to put nature on the balance sheet; and a hopeful update from Burkina Faso where smart water-harvesting is helping 29,000+ new trees thrive. LISTEN IN LESS THAN 6 MINUTES HERE What This Under 6 Minute Episode Covers  Floating neighbourhoods: Modern floating platforms are typically hollow, creating space for decentralised systems—wastewater and drinking-water treatment, on-board electricity storage, floating solar, even algae/seaweed biofuels. That off-grid setup boosts resilience and, placed offshore, these structures can also reduce wave energy to help protect coasts during storms.  “Floating structures… offer opportunities to become more self-supporting and off-grid—more resilient.” Rutger de Graaf, Blue21 Tune into the full episode – Floating Futures here Courtesy Rutger de Graaf Floating-Pavilion EU 

At Constructive Voices, we’re not only about the place and the things that happen within the built environment, we’re also about how the places are directly connected with us as people. Along with the creatures around us and how that actually plays out in various ways within our lives. Today we’re with David Picton. Now David will also be visiting you again in another episode, but in this particular episode, David, who’s the Senior Vice President of Safety and Sustainability at EcoOnline, is going to speak to you about his visit to the Everest Base Camp and how this is a mirror for his life as it has been to other people also.  In this conversation, David Picton shares his transformative journey to Everest Base Camp, discussing the profound connection he felt with nature, the communities along the trail, and the importance of teamwork and collaboration. He reflects on the physical and mental challenges faced during the trek, the sustainability efforts observed in the region, and the life lessons learned from this extraordinary experience. Courtesy of David Picton

In this uplifting edition of the Constructive Voices Good News podcast in less than six minutes, we bring you a short, sharp burst of positive stories from the built environment — with a dash of conservation inspiration. A New Way To Look at Sustainability: Neurosustainability We open with a fascinating concept that’s as much about protecting our minds as it is about protecting the planet — neurosustainability. Host Jackie De Burca speaks with Mohamed Hesham Khalil, whose pioneering research at the University of Cambridge explores how the built environment affects our brain health, mental wellbeing, and cognitive performance. “That shift… from experiencing the built environment in a specific way and then going back was an alert to start seeing this relationship between the built environment and the human brain.” — Mohamed Hesham Khalil Discover how architecture, neuroscience, and nature intersect — and why this matters more than ever post-lockdown. Greening Ireland: Pocket Forests Next, volunteer reporter Sarah Austin speaks with Catherine Cleary, co-founder of Pocket Forests, about transforming small urban spaces into thriving native woodlands. With over 125 sites planted — from car-parking-space-sized micro-forests to half–tennis-court plots — these dense plantings are changing soil health, biodiversity, and community connections. “We’re planting much younger trees… much more closely together… the result is that they create this microclimate very quickly.” — Catherine Cleary For the full deep dive, check out our special episode Greening Ireland from Pocket Forests to Native Woodlands on our website.

Whether you’re a construction professional, a leader in a male-dominated field, or simply passionate about driving meaningful change, this episode offers practical strategies and an abundance of inspiration. In this energising and deeply insightful episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca sits down with Dr. Gretchen Gagel — a trailblazing leader who has spent over 40 years shaping the global construction industry. From turning down Harvard to study engineering against her father’s wishes, to running manufacturing plants in her twenties, Gretchen’s career is a testament to courage, adaptability, and a refusal to accept the status quo. Today, she is an international author, speaker, and founder of the Women Thriving in Construction Institute, a global non-profit driving data-led change to attract and retain more women in construction. If you care about leadership, diversity, or the future of the construction industry, this conversation delivers both inspiration and actionable insight. Gretchen doesn’t just talk about change — she’s building the structures, connections, and data that will make it happen. Here’s what you’ll learn from Gretchen Gagel: The “grounded self-leadership” approach – why leadership starts with personal values and purpose How male allyship can transform workplace culture and open doors for women Why inclusivity fuels innovation in construction, energy, and engineering Four agile leadership routines every leader needs in high-stakes industries The systemic barriers holding women back — and practical steps to dismantle them Gretchen’s vision for scaling what works globally through the Women Thriving in Construction Institute About Dr. Gretchen Gagel Dr. Gretchen Gagel is a distinguished executive in the construction industry, bringing 40 years of management consulting expertise. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA focused on finance, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Organization Culture, and Change/Agility. She has served as Chair of Brinkman Construction and is the founder of Women Thriving in Construction, a Global Institute dedicated to fueling global collaboration and funding strategies to accelerate the success of women in construction, mining, and energy inspired by her 2021 induction into the National Academy of Construction, Dr. Gagel is committed to fostering the success of women leaders. Her book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction, published by Wiley in April 2025, provides invaluable guidance and strategies for women to excel in construction, engineering, and related fields. Mary K. Rhinehart, Chair, Johns Manville Corporation, wrote, “In the decades I’ve known Gretchen, I have watched her grow and excel as a mother, a civic and business leader, and an influencer in the construction industry. We are so fortunate that Gretchen carved out the time to write this seminal book on women’s leadership and I am confident that all will benefit from the knowledge she shares. Gretchen is a remarkable leader and role model who cares deeply for the construction industry, and her passion for helping women thrive helps us build a more inclusive in...

Is Europe on the cusp of a green building revolution? Find out in this podcast episode. In this episode of Constructive Voices, we’re joined by Stephen Barrett, the driving force behind Ireland’s transition to whole-life carbon assessment in construction. (Bookmark this page for the release date of 29th July) As Programme Manager at the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), Stephen is at the heart of implementing the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)—a policy shift that’s set to transform how we design, construct, and assess buildings across Europe. Whether you’re a building designer, material supplier, or policy watcher, this is the insight you need to prepare for what’s coming. "Don’t worry about the result—just begin assessing. It’s the act of questioning your design that starts to change behaviour." — Stephen Barrett, IGBC Who Should Listen? Architects, engineers & building designers Construction managers & BIM specialists Sustainability officers & ESG consultants Policy makers & local authorities Students and educators in built environment studies Key Topics Covered What the updated EPBD really means—and why it’s a "starting gun" for industry change. Why lifecycle carbon is overtaking energy as the key metric in building performance. The vital role of BIM (Building Information Modelling) in meeting new EU carbon targets. Open source vs proprietary BIM platforms: How to start now, without breaking the bank. Lessons from the Nordics, and how Ireland’s ahead of the curve with its prototype methodology. What the construction industry must do before 2030 to stay compliant—and competitive. Why your old tools won’t cut it anymore—and how new platforms like One Click LCA are changing the game. Simple advice for professionals: Start assessing now—don’t fear the results. "If we design with carbon in mind from the beginning, we won’t just build better—we’ll change the entire supply chain behind construction." — Stephen Barrett, IGBC About Stephen Barrett Stephen joined the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) in 2020 and is currently Programme Manager for Whole Life Carbon initiatives. He has contributed to several key European and national projects, including Level(s) – the EU framework for measuring the environmental performance of buildings – and the #BuildingLife campaign, aimed at aligning public policy and industry practices with Whole Life Carbon (WLC) goals. Stephen led the UPFRONTCO2 and INDICATE projects and is currently managing IMPLEMENT, which focuses on mainstreaming WLC approaches. He holds an MSc in Sustainability and Adaptation in the Built Environment and brings a strong background in d...

Welcome to the very first edition of the Constructive Voices News — a short, sharp burst of uplifting stories from the built environment, with a side of conservation. Hosted by Jackie De Burca, this six minute episode showcases inspiring developments in construction, sustainability, and social integration. Here’s what’s in the spotlight: Refugee Training: Empowering Refugees Through Construction Training In Amersfoort, Netherlands, the Arcadis Future Academy is changing lives. A powerful collaboration between Arcadis Refugee Talent Hub, New Dutch Connections, and De Taaltrainer is helping refugees build careers in construction and architecture. One standout story is Ayoub Choban, who arrived in the Netherlands from Iraq in 2014 and has now secured a contract with Arcadis. The programme combines technical training with soft skills and mentorship, paving the way for a more inclusive future in the sector. Bouygues Construction Commits to a Net Zero Future French firm Bouygues Construction is leading the charge towards a low-carbon future. With a bold goal to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, they’re investing in eco-design, bio-based materials, reuse strategies, and life cycle analysis (LCA) at every stage of construction. Digital tools and staff training are central to their approach — and they’re calling on the industry to join in the transformation. Related episode plug: If this topic piques your interest, don’t miss our newly released episode on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive with Stephen Barrett of the Irish Green Building Council. Conservation Win: Rare Okapi Calf Born at Dublin Zoo In a moment of joy for wildlife enthusiasts, Dublin Zoo has welcomed its first okapi calf in over a decade. This elusive and endangered species — often called the “forest giraffe” — is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Courtesy of Dublin Zoo Born to Lumara and Kitabu, the new calf represents hope for the future of the species and a proud achievement for the zoo’s conservation team. Although born on Good Friday, the news was only released officially in late July. Helen Clarke, the Team Leader at Dublin Zoo said, “The calf is thriving, and visitors exploring the African Plains area may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her in the coming days – and see just h...

Where better than your own home country to start exploring something that is very close to one’s heart? And I believe to lots of people’s hearts when they start to think about it. At Constructive Voices, we’re not only exploring the obvious parts of the built environment. “In fact, we’re digging a bit deeper. And connecting the people and their places together, because this is what it’s all about.” Jackie De Burca How the environment affects us every single day with our health in mind, with how our daily activities are able to be conducted. There’s just a whole host of things that our environment brings to us or perhaps makes more difficult for us. So tune in to Jackie De Burca as she speaks with Stephen Barrett. He’s the program manager for the Whole Life Carbon Programme at the Irish Green Building Council, and he is going to talk to us about Cobh, which is a picturesque Irish town just outside Cork. Stephen has planted his roots there for the moment, and now he questions some aspects of the area, such as development. Biodiversity transport and community pride and how this area Cobh and Cork in general can shape a more sustainable way forward. This episode touches on subjects such as underused train lines to cruise ship impacts, and the local lens that Stephen sees on global challenges. “What struck me moving from the UK to Ireland is how undervalued Tidy Towns is—those people know their place better than anyone.” – Stephen Barrett on the untapped expertise within community-led groups   About Stephen Barrett, Programme Manager for Whole Life Carbon initiatives, Irish Green Building Council Stephen joined the

In this powerful and timely episode, Jackie De Burca sits down with Will Frost of Saint-Gobain Offsite Solutions to explore how modern methods of construction (MMC) – or as Will prefers, "optimised construction" – are helping address the UK's urgent housing crisis. With the UK government aiming to build 1.5 million homes in five years, Will explains why Category 2 panelised systems are gaining momentum over the struggling Category 1 volumetric builds – and how Saint-Gobain's 'Envi Event' system is delivering results on the ground. From solving the skills shortage, to navigating procurement hurdles, to reducing embodied carbon and embracing Future Homes Standard, this episode is packed with real-world examples, industry insights, and a human-centric approach to innovation. Key Topics Covered: What is MMC and why Category 2 panelised solutions are rising Case study: 12-unit pilot in Birmingham using the Envi Event system Labour shortages & upskilling the traditional workforce How MMC can save up to 6 weeks per build Social housing realities: over 1 million on waiting lists and 150,000+ children in temporary accommodation Why procurement reform is a game-changer Meeting the Future Homes Standard and reducing long-term running costs The potential of bamboo and timber alternatives Net zero goals and 70%+ reductions in embodied carbon The one message to local authorities and housing associations Quote of the Episode: "We are past the point of return for trying to save traditional methods of build. We need to focus on what is performing now – and deliver with confidence." — Will Frost

When you think of the future, do you picture space—or water? In this eye-opening episode, Jackie De Burca speaks with Peter Robbins, one of the world’s leading voices on the floating economy. From delivering fresh meals via jet skis to developing mega-scale coastal innovation projects in Korea and the US, Peter is building a blueprint for what he calls the next “mega-trend”: the floating economy. More than a futuristic fantasy, this is a global movement gaining momentum across industries like logistics, hospitality, port infrastructure, energy, and even education. Learn how floating solutions are solving everything from workforce shortages to population crises, and how ports are being reimagined as launchpads—not limits. Whether you're a policymaker, investor, engineer or just curious about where cities are headed, this episode dives deep into the possibilities of our water-bound future. “We’re not just building floating solutions. We’re building the workforce, the policy awareness, and the investment appetite to support a floating future.” Peter Robbins   What You Will Learn In This Episode The distinction between the floating economy and the blue/ocean economy Why nearshore logistics could transform coastal commerce How floating housing could solve affordability and flood resilience Case studies: Busan, Rotterdam, Brisbane, and beyond The urgent need to build a water-based workforce—starting in schools How the private sector, governments, and NGOs can work together to scale floating infrastructure

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Catherine Cleary, author, journalist, and the CEO & Co-founder of Pocket Forests. Having authored and co-authored 4 books and been a Restaurant Critic for the Irish Times for more than 10 years, Catherine has now turned her attention to nature, climate action and greening Ireland. In 2020, Catherine embarked on two projects: one, to establish a social enterprise planting mini forests in community areas, and the other, to plant her own native woodland across 40 acres of land. Pocket Forests is a social enterprise bringing nature into towns and cities around Ireland by creating pockets of native trees and shrubs within communities. In this episode of the Constructive Voices podcast, we explore the work of Pocket Forests in the urban greening of Ireland and their role in reconnecting our communities with nature. We also discuss Catherine’s personal journey in creating her own native woodland, The Forest Midwife documentary, and the attitudes of landowners towards planting forests. Image courtesy of Catherine Cleary “The forest is the root of all life; it is the womb that revives our biological instincts, that deepens our intelligence and increases our sensitivity as human beings” Akira Miyawaki [1] Forestry in Ireland Although 80% of the country was once covered in forests, 

“We are turning a waste stream into a carbon sink — that’s the real magic.” ️ Guest: Anna Haas, Business Development & Partnerships at Neustark Topic Spotlight: Carbon Capture️ Release Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025 Episode Summary In this powerful follow-up episode, Jackie De Burca sits down once again with Anna Haas from Swiss climate tech company Neustark. If you thought concrete was the end of the story, think again. Anna explains how Neustark is turning demolition waste into a carbon sink — and why this matters now more than ever. From CO₂ mineralisation and circular construction practices to global expansion and the nuances of regional policy, this episode dives deep into the tangible side of carbon removal. Anna brings clarity, passion, and pragmatism to one of the most pressing topics in the built environment. Whether you’re in construction, sustainability, or just curious about where climate tech is headed, this conversation offers real-world insights and hopeful innovation.   “It’s one of the hardest things to explain: We’re not just avoiding emissions — we’re actually removing carbon from the atmosphere.” What You’ll Learn How Neustark’s solution works: storing CO₂ in recycled concrete through...

In this insightful episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca sits down with Anna Haas from Neustark to explore the city she calls home—Zurich. Known for its efficient public transport, green infrastructure, and direct democracy, Zurich has long been a sustainability frontrunner. But how is it maintaining its reputation amid global competition? Anna unpacks the urban planning, mobility strategies, carbon removal innovations, and deep-rooted community involvement that define Zurich’s approach to sustainable development. With firsthand insight into both public policy and grassroots action, Anna shows us why Zurich isn’t just following green trends—it’s setting them. Often perceived as a pristine financial hub, Zurich is also quietly one of Europe’s most forward-thinking green cities. Beneath its polished exterior lies a living lab of urban experimentation—where bicycle highways weave through the city, schoolchildren are raised on recycling habits, and carbon neutrality isn’t just a goal but a work in progress. From lakefront green spaces to car-free infrastructure and community-driven pilots, Zurich integrates nature, governance, and innovation in a way few cities manage. As Anna puts it, “Pla...

“At the end of the day, we have limited resources. This issue isn’t going away—so dismantling sustainability programmes is a short-term decision with long-term consequences.” “We’re trying to accelerate innovation by helping sustainable products get to market faster—and make sustainability a sales advantage, not a cost.” Kathleen Egan, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecomedes In this episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca is joined by Kathleen Egan, the dynamic and purpose-driven CEO of Ecomedes. This platform connects sustainability data to real business outcomes in the built environment. Kathleen’s journey from Harvard MBA grad to serial entrepreneur to sustainability tech leader is compelling in itself—but it’s her mission to embed sustainability into every purchasing decision in construction that truly stands out. What triggered her shift toward sustainability? How does Ecomedes simplify compliance and empower sales teams with data? Why is backing away from ESG investments short-sighted—even in politically uncertain times? Kathleen doesn’t hold back in this engaging and deeply informative conversation. “The only way to avoid greenwashing is through third-party certifications. Yes, they’re messy—but they’re necessary.” “No one wants to deal with 100 certifiers, but everyone wants valid data. That’s where we come in.”

We’ve fought water for centuries, but maybe it’s time to live with it—and even on it.” – Rutger de Graaf Imagine cities that rise with the sea instead of sinking beneath it. In this eye-opening episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca speaks with visionary Dutch engineer Rutger de Graaf, co-founder of Blue21, about how floating urban developments can offer real, resilient solutions to the climate crisis. Floating Developments Aren't Just A Back Up Plan “Floating developments aren’t just a backup plan for climate change; they’re innovation platforms for decentralised energy, housing, and community.” Rutger de Graaf For over 18 years, Rutger has been leading the charge in designing, engineering, and implementing floating infrastructure in the Netherlands and beyond. This episode delves deep (pun intended) into how floating neighbourhoods, ports, and even social housing could redefine our relationship with water—and why this isn’t science fiction but a rapidly emerging reality. What You’ll Learn From This Podcast  From Fight to Float: How Dutch engineering is shifting from battling water to embracing it—and how other coastal cities can follow. ️ Floating Cities 101: What they are, how they work, and how they’re being built today.  Innovation Meets Ecology: The hidden ecosystems growing beneath floating platforms, and why...

In this special and historic episode of Constructive Voices, we hand over the mic to our first-ever volunteer, Sarah Austin, a sustainable development practitioner with a passion for biodiversity, food systems, and rural regeneration. Sarah takes the lead in this fascinating deep dive into Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Ireland’s only eco neighbourhood designed to model regenerative, low-impact living. “We seek to live in a regenerative and respectful way, sharing these 64 acres with many other species... to live with as light a footprint on the planet as possible.” – Peadar Kirby Sarah is joined by Peadar Kirby, a resident of Cloughjordan Ecovillage and a retired professor who has spent his academic career studying development models and climate policy. Together, they explore the origins, vision, and everyday life of this pioneering community—and how its lessons can be shared with the world.  “Our greatest asset is one another. The technologies can help, but it's our creativity and collaboration that will truly see us through.” – Peadar Kirby In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What Cloughjordan Ecovillage is: A 64-acre eco neighbourhood integrated into the rural village of Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary. How it began: From an idea in 1990s Dublin to a vibrant, regenerative community. Sustainable living in action: Homes built to top ecological standards A district heating system powered by renewable energy A community-run organic farm feeding residents fresh, local food The power of community: Insight into how genuine interdependence creates resilience, creativity, and a rich cultural life. Governance with purpose: A flat, nature-inspired governance model that supports active participation and shared responsibility. Global connections: Cloughjordan's role in the Global Ecovillage Network and its importance as an educational charity. Tips for other communities: How towns and neighbourhoods can implement small but powerful changes for sustainable living.