Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development proudly present the successful completion of their Create Green – sustainable by design initiative, recognising seven businesses in Westmeath and Offaly. The showcase event, held in conjunction with the launch of the Murmuration Exhibition, took place on Friday, January 12th at the Esker Arts Centre.

Brendan O Loughlin (CEO, OLDC), Rebekah Keaveney (co-founder Green Offaly), Roisin Lennon (RDP LEADER OLDC), Caitriona Duggan (OLDC), Aileen Duffy (AD Training & Consultancy), Bernie Leavy (RDP LEADER WCD), Frank Murtagh (CEO WDC), Andrea Corroon (WCD), Eddie Newman (WCD)

Funded through the LEADER Rural Development Programme, the Create Green Programme is designed to support businesses in their journey towards sustainability. It focuses on sustainable product development, incorporating best practices in business development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme also aims to foster meaningful partnerships and business relations with other organisations.

Rebekah Keaveney (co-founder Green Offaly), Jane Walsh (Button Studio), Brendan Dooley (The Factory)

Choosing a green approach offers numerous benefits for businesses, ranging from cost reduction and improved efficiency to the creation of healthier workplaces. Furthermore, it plays a fundamental role in enhancing brand reputation and fostering customer loyalty. With the growing demand for environmentally friendly goods and services, businesses have the opportunity not only to be a part of this movement but also to share their unique sustainable stories.

The pilot programme, developed collaboratively by Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development, explores the areas of Green Arts, Sustainable Business Practice, Creating a Sustainability Action Plan, and Sustainable Product Development. During the programme, each participant identified their individual Sustainable Development Goals, which are now proudly showcased on their respective websites. The awards were presented by Brendan Dooley from The Factory and Rebekah Keaveney from Green Offaly.

Rebekah Keaveney (co-founder Green Offaly), Kevin Dooley (Dooleys Wool), Brendan Dooley (The Factory)

Speaking on behalf of Offaly Local Development Company, Roisin Lennon highlights the significance of Green Business development for the future growth of all businesses and expresses pride in the commitment shown by the seven Offaly and Westmeath businesses in embracing a more sustainable future. “This pilot programme was designed to be both practical and meaningful, catering specifically to small creative businesses”.

Bernie Leavy, representing Westmeath Community Development, emphasises the programmes importance and the value it brings to the participating businesses. “We must consider the possibilities for these businesses as a network and how we can further develop the programme to reach a wider audience.”

Teresa Doyle Bespoke Dolls, Helen Bracken (Fox Covert Farm), Rosemarie Langtry, Brendan Dooley (The Factory), Jane Walsh (Button Studio), Lisa Dooley ( The Factory), Helen Conneely (Celtic Roots Studio), Nicola Doran (Nine Arch Consulting) Claire Guinan, Kevin Dooley (Dooleys Wool)

The seven businesses that have successfully completed the Green Business Programme are: