Representatives from across Mayos voluntary, public, and private sectors gathered at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Mayo on 6 June for the Mayo Rising event, a collaborative forum aimed at mapping the countys sustainability journey, identifying current challenges, and empowering communities to take meaningful next steps.
The event, held at the ATU Mayo campus in Castlebar, brought together staff and representatives from a range of organisations including ATU, Mayo County Council, the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), Foróige, Leave No Trace, and Mayo Community Initiatives. The gathering was supported by the Sunflower Charitable Foundation through Community Foundation Ireland.
The day began with a panel discussion featuring speakers who shared insights and experiences from leading social, economic, cultural, and environmental initiatives throughout the county. The afternoon session adopted a World Café format, inviting participants to collaborate on practical and actionable ideas to drive forward Mayos sustainability agenda.
Dr Deirdre Garvey, Head of the Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences at ATU Mayo, praised the depth and breadth of community-led efforts already underway:
The event was designed by participants on the ATU Sustainability Leadership postgraduate programme and highlighted not just the challenges but the great work that is happening throughout Mayo in our communities in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, conservation, light pollution, creating renewable energy, waste reduction and developing sustainable travel options, planting food forests, nature restoration programmes, etc.
The event featured 13 speakers from a variety of sectors, creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and shared learning. Reflecting on the day, Dr Garvey added:
We were delighted to host 13 different speakers, sharing their work and providing an opportunity to connect with others. It was a really insightful day with great engagement from all those who attended. We look forward to following up on all we have learned and our collective next steps.
