Council Asked to Lead the Way in Rainwater Harvesting
Kilkenny County Council have been asked to lead the charge in promoting rainwater harvesting technology by installing systems in new public buildings and to introduce permeable paving to offset the risks of flash flooding in urban areas.
The call was made by Green Party Councillor, Malcolm Noonan who brought forward a motion to the Kilkenny Electoral Area Committee of the Local Authority asking for grey water harvesting to be introduced into a public building on a pilot basis in order to promote the technology in the wider community.
‘The days of flushing treated drinking water down our toilets are numbered. Even from an economic viewpoint where many businesses are bearing the brunt of water charges, there are significant savings to be made in harvesting rainwater to use for non drinking purposes’, stated Cllr Noonan. ‘In bringing forward this motion, I have asked that the Council would also begin using permeable paving in public infrastructure projects. This would also have the advantage of reducing surface runoff from our urban areas and reduce the risk of flash flooding. Climate change is with us now and will be for many decades even if we reduce global emissions, it is essential that Local Authorities begin to address the challenges ahead at a local level’.
Kilkenny County Council has stated that it would consider the proposals in the design stage of the new public library. Cllr Noonan also expressed a hope that private developments that factor in grey water harvesting into their overall design, would benefit from incentives such as a discount in development contributions.
‘I am encouraged by the fact that Kilkenny County Council has recognised the importance of this policy initiative as it is complimentary to National Legislation and International best practice’ concluded Cllr Noonan.
This is a press release I issued following the Borough Council’s purchase of St Mary’s Church and Graveyard. I have to say, I felt very proud signing the purchase agreement and to have played a part in bringing this day about. The Church of Ireland and trustees of St Mary’s have to be commended for taking care of it for so long under difficult circumstances. This site sparked my imagination… Continue reading
Following the decision by An Bord Pleanala to refuse planning for a major retail development at the former Mart site in Kilkenny City, Mayor Malcolm Noonan is calling Continue reading
The need for dedicated grounds for Kilkenny’s fastest growing sport has been put to Kilkenny Co Council’s parks staff by Mayor Malcolm Noonan. Cricket is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages in Kilkenny and was once played widely throughout the county. Mayor Noonan feels that Kilkenny needs a cricket ground
September16th to 22nd is European Mobility Week and Kilkenny as a registered participating city has a journey to go in becoming a model for sustainable transport, walking and cycling. Kilkenny Mayor Malcolm Noonan is confident that Kilkenny can become a leader among regional towns in reducing car dependency and moving towards walking
Matters Brought Forward By Direction of the Mayor to Kilkenny Borough Council Meeting 21/9/09
These are just some of the initiatives I have been involved in over the months of July and August; I reported this to members at September’s Borough Council Meeting
The Mayor acknowledges the work done by Sheasky and Borough staff on their own four in a row welcome home ceremony for… Continue reading
