All About Cork: Carrigaline store reduces carbon footprint by 40%

Barry Collins SuperValu in Carrigaline has underscored its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility by successfully reducing its carbon footprint by 40%.

As part of a €3.5m relaunch earlier this year, the store has invested over €1.5m in a variety of environmental initiatives, including a substantial €100,000 allocated to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

To date, the store has recycled a staggering 730,000 containers as part of the scheme, achieving a recycling rate of 112% for containers sold year-to-date — with a 134% recycling rate since June. These efforts are part of the store’s broader strategy to minimise waste and promote a circular economy within the community.

In addition to its recycling initiatives, Barry Collins SuperValu Carrigaline has installed a 311kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, incorporating more than 728 solar panels on the building and car park canopy.

This system generates 287,706 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power 69 homes, significantly contributing to the store’s sustainability goals.

The store has long been recognised for its commitment to supporting community driven sustainability projects. This is evident through its collaboration with the local TidyTowns committee, where it has a remarkable track record, having won numerous awards at the SuperValu TidyTowns competitions over the years, consistently increasing marks, including, Bronze in 2014; Silver in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020; and Gold in 2017, 2018, 2022, and again this year.

The Carrigaline TidyTowns committee promotes environmental responsibility by encouraging biodiversity with projects like insect hotels, duck feeders, and beautiful multi-tiered wildflower planters that adorn the town.

Retailer David Collins is actively involved, ensuring the store’s initiatives align with the community’s sustainability goals.

Frank and Honest coffee grounds from the store are donated for composting, and recycled SuperValu egg cartons are repurposed for planting seedlings. This collaboration highlights the store’s commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable community.

Recently, Barry Collins SuperValu Carrigaline was recognised for its comprehensive sustainability efforts by winning Ireland’s Best Sustainability Initiative at the 2024 National Grocery Retail Awards. The accolade once again highlighting the store’s ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

David Collins of Barry Collins SuperValu Carrigaline emphasised the store’s dedication to sustainability.

“Environmental stewardship is a global challenge, but we believe it begins with strong, local action. Our team is committed to creating sustainable change, “said Mr Collins.

“From our investments in energy-efficient technology to our role in community-driven projects, we strive to set a standard in sustainable retailing. 

Our clear target to reach net zero by 2040 reflects our commitment to making a tangible difference today while paving the way for a cleaner future.”

Pioneers lunch and social event

The Mid-West Cork Pioneers lunch and social took place in Actons Hotel, Kinsale, last Sunday with an attendance of 138 including a large contingent from Carrigaline.

Guest of honour was Frances Egan, the newly elected national president of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA), who gave the keynote address. She expressed her delight to be a guest at the function and was pleased to see such a great attendance.

She outlined the history of the PTAA which was founded in Dublin by four women in 1898 with the help of Fr James Cullen, a Jesuit. The Jesuits ran the association up to recent years and it is now a lay organisation. 

Ms Egan made a plea to all Pioneers to wear their pins every day. Hampers of local produce were presented to Frances Egan by Aislinn Cogan and Theresa McCarthy on behalf of the region.

At the outset all were welcomed by Barry Cogan, Fear a’ Tí. Monsignor Aidan O’Driscoll VG Co PP led the grace before meals. It was a beautiful four-course meal served by hotel manager Tomás Wrixon and his pleasant staff.

Five long serving members were presented with pins by Frances Egan and Monsignor O’Driscoll. Noel O’Donovan, Clonakilty, and Phil O’Keeffe, Ballinhassig, received Diamond pins and certs; Theresa McCarthy and Margaret O’Sullivan, from Bandon, and Noel Buckley, from Cork city, were presented with gold pins and certificates. 

Two prizes were won on the door ticket while a selection of fantastic prizes were won in the raffle and as spots. The guests danced and sang the afternoon away to the songs and music of the Lee Sound in what was a most enjoyable and happy event.

Excitement building ahead of hurling final

Carrigaline will meet Watergrasshill in the Premier Intermediate Hurling final this Sunday, November 10, in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 3.30pm.

There is great excitement building up in the parish in advance of this game.

Congratulations to Gaelscoil Charraig Uí Leighin girls football on winning the County final of Sciath na Scol in Páirc Uí Chaoimh this week.

The GAA are holding a Christmas Market in the GAA Pavilion, Crosshaven Rd, on Sunday, November 24, from 2.30pm until 7pm. Anyone interested in booking a stall contact Rob 086 1912 935.

Carrigaline Camogie will hold their AGM this Wednesday, November 13, at 8pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

Death of Men’s Shed founder

One of Carrigaline Men’s Shed founder members, Gary Kelly, died on Saturday, November 2. 

very quiet and innovative man, Gary was highly respected by his fellow members. The Men’s Shed provided a guard of honour at his funeral and the Shed choir sang at his Requiem Mass.

A vote of sympathy was proposed to his wife Eileen, his children Valerie, June, and William, grandchildren, and to the extended family, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Shed member Sean Barry is one of 50 Shedders from around the country volunteering to help the annual clearance of Rhododendron from the national park in Killarney this week.

Carrigaline Men’s Shed are taking part in the Irish Men’s Shed Association’s effort to make the Guinness Book of Records by having 1,000 functioning kettles at one place at the one time. Carrigaline Shed has been nominated as one of the drop-off points in the country.

Exercises continue in the Shed every Thursday at 11am followed by a short talk on health topics. Enquiries to Roger Morrissey on 087 220 3547.

TidyTowns Gold Medal

The Carrigaline TidyTowns delegates who attended the national awards ceremonies in Croke Park on Friday were delighted to receive their third Gold Medal in a row and a huge increase of 13 marks. All the volunteers at home were watching events closely online and met up later to celebrate.They were all on duty Saturday morning litter picking and cleaning around the town.

Some of the Tidy Towns display boards and other projects have been vandalised. Such conduct is out of character in Carrigaline and the huge improvements made to the appearance of the town.

Annual blessing of the graves

A large gathering attended the annual blessing of the graves in Carrigaline on Sunday last. The congregation was welcomed by Monsignor Aidan O’Driscoll VG co PP, who, with Fr James Mc Sweeney co PP and Fr Michael O’Connell CC, blessed the graves in the three adjoining cemeteries while the rosary was recited and hymns were sung.