Author: National Ploughing Association

Partnering with the National Ploughing Championship to bring sustainable solutions to live events.

Waste collection and management is of upmost importance at live events. Such events can generate a significant amount of waste, including food containers, beverage cups, promotional materials and more. Unmanaged waste can pose safety, hygiene, and fire hazards. Proper waste management helps maintain a clean and safe environment for attendees/staff and promotes a positive image. Proper waste management also ensures that an organiser adheres EU and Irish regulations, avoiding potential penalties. For this reason, Bord na Móna Recycling have been selected as the waste management partner for the National Ploughing Championship for over 19 years, forging a trusted relationship. Chosen for our reputation for managing waste in a sustainable manner together we sought to encourage more recycling, composting, and correct disposing of waste to help the National Ploughing Championship reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability at their event. By proactively adopting sustainable practices and revamping their waste management process the National Ploughing Championship could not only improve attendee experience but also ensure compliance with future legislation and regulations. A number of new sustainable initiatives have been implemented in conjunction with key successful waste management services;

• A site visit and in depth waste plan was devised with the National Ploughing Championships to ascertain waste management needs, bin quantities, collection schedules and signage requirements.
• We are providing 1000 x 240L general waste and recycling bins and a number of 1100L bins.
• These are strategically located at key footfall areas across the site.
• Recycling Stations have been created to neatly house bins and detail what waste goes in each bin so that patrons can dispose of their waste correctly.
• To ensure waste streams are segregated and to help reduce contamination of recycling bins a number of measures have been introduced;

1. All bins are clearly labelled and colour-coded for each different waste type
2. Recycle points for all waste types are clearly labelled
3. Suitable recycling bins are available throughout the main event area
4. Food waste bins are provided at all concession stands and main areas
5. Special compactors are on site for cardboard and general waste

• Cooking oil containers are provided so all food and trade stands can dispose of their cooking oil in an environmentally friendly way.
• Skips and compactors are provided for larger waste. Roll on roll off skips are used for pre-clean and clean up after the event, along with timber ROLO’s.
• Compactors with bin lifters are used to collect bins at the end of each day.
• Waste is sent to Bord na Móna Recycling facilities in Tullamore and Portlaoise for processing. Recyclable material is segregated, processed and sent to a licensed waste recovery facility for recycling.
• Designated Bord na Móna Recycling staff are deployed on site during the championships to attend to any potential emergencies.
• A fleet of bin lorries and helpers work during the night to collect all waste, ensuring the site is spotless and ready for the next day.

Ministers Humphreys and Joe O’Brien look forward to promoting outdoor recreation and community engagement at the 2023 National Ploughing Championships. 
·       8-metre climbing tower for visitors to try out skills
·       Department exhibit to showcase supports available to communities
·       Hands-on computing and robotics demonstrations
·       Mobile library and games to feature
The sustainable development of outdoor recreation in rural areas will be a key focus for the Department of Rural and Community Development at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, due to begin in Ratheniska, Co. Laois on Tuesday 19^th September.

The Department’s exhibit, ‘Our Rural Future – Supporting People and Communities’ will be located in the heart of the Government of Ireland Village (Block 3, Row 22, Stand 348).

It will include an eight-metre climbing tower, supplied in partnership with Mountaineering Ireland and Awesome Walls, where visitors can try out their climbing skills and learn more about how to embrace Ireland’s outdoors.

Speaking about the benefits of outdoor recreation Minister Humphreys said:

“Last year I launched a new government strategy – ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’ which is helping us to shape the future of outdoor recreation in Ireland.

“The strategy provides a framework to support the sustainable development of outdoor recreation activities such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming which will, in turn, provide social, economic and health benefits for all.

“Indeed in the last five years Government has invested over €2.4 billion in outdoor recreation related amenities and the National Ploughing Championships is an ideal event to showcase what has been delivered, and what is planned for the future.” 

While the Department is encouraging people to embrace Ireland’s outdoors it is essential that it is done in a safe and respectful manner.

The Department’s exhibit will include Water Safety Ireland demonstrations, advice and support from Rural Recreation Officers and an area focusing on responsible dog ownership. 

The issue of dog attacks on livestock is of grave concern to the farming community. 

Local authority vets and dog wardens will be at the exhibit discussing the importance of keeping dogs under control, the issues of livestock worrying, the requirement to have a dog licence and general animal welfare.

In relation to responsible dog ownership the Minister added:

“Visitors to our exhibit will notice the focus on responsible dog ownership where we will be emphasising the importance of keeping dogs under control in rural areas and dog owners responsibilities.

“We will be reminding attendees of the need to respect landowner’s requests and about where dogs are welcome and where they are not.

“Attacks by dogs on livestock cause huge emotional and economic harm to our farming families.

“It is vital that we promote responsible behaviour so everyone can enjoy the countryside without causing harm to farmer’s livelihoods.”

The exhibit will also include; information on rural and community funding, Public Participation Networks, Volunteer Ireland, coding and robotics demonstrations, a mobile library, and more.

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien TD said:

“My Department’s presence at the National Ploughing Championship is always a highlight of the year and is an important opportunity for ministers and officials to engage directly with those who have a specific interest in rural Ireland.  

“We play a vital role in supporting rural communities across a range of programmes and initiatives. The exhibit at the Ploughing Championship is a fantastic opportunity to both highlight that work and to listen to feedback and suggestions on how best we can continue to support rural Ireland.”

The ‘Our Rural Future Supporting People and Communities’ exhibit will also include stands from:

•         Unfair Trading Practices,

•         Revenue Commissioners,

•         Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,

•         Workplace Relations Commission,

•         Department of Social Protection, and

•         Health Insurance Authority.

For further information visit gov.ie/ploughing

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