The Future of Our Children's World
Climate Action Conference - Friday, 7th August - St Nathys College, Ballaghaderreen
The Future of Our Children’s World brings together leading voices in sustainability, renewable energy, public health, education and community development for a full-day conference focused on climate action, innovation and the future of rural communities in Ireland and beyond.
Hosted at St Nathys College as part of Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2026, the conference aims to encourage meaningful discussion around one of the defining issues of our time — how communities can work together to build a healthier, more sustainable and resilient future for the next generation.
Through keynote talks, panel discussions and audience interaction, attendees will explore the environmental, economic and social challenges facing communities today, while also discovering practical solutions and opportunities for positive change in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable development, public health, education and community action.
Conference Fee of Eighty Euro and Twenty Five Euro (Special Sponsor Pricing) incorporates refreshments, lunch and full-day conference.
Meet the Speakers
Norman Crowley
Founder of Cool Planet
Norman Crowley is one of Ireland's leading entrepreneurs and climate innovators. As founder of Cool Planet, he works with businesses and communities to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future through practical climate action and technology-driven solutions.
Peter McGarry
Founder of The Earth Prize
Leveraging 25 years of experience as a macro trader in global markets, Peter established The Earth Foundation in Switzerland in 2020. His goal was clear: to inspire, educate, mentor, and empower the next generation. The foundation's leading initiative, The Earth Prize, has since grown into the largest youth environmental competition globally, engaging young innovators across 169 countries and territories.
Dr. Mike Ryan
Former WHO Executive Director
Dr Mike Ryan is an internationally recognised public health expert who played a leading role in the World Health Organization's response to global health emergencies. He is a strong advocate for climate action, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on human health, communities and healthcare systems worldwide.
Professor Breda Smyth
Professor of Public Health Medicine at RCSI
Professor Breda Smyth is a leading public health physician, academic and former Chief Medical Officer of Ireland. Her work focuses on improving population health with a particular interest in prevention and One Health. It recognizes that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment are inextricably linked and are the drivers of community wellbeing and long-term health outcomes.
Fergus Sharkey
Head of Business Support at SEAI
Fergus Sharkey is an experienced engineer and proven leader in the energy and sustainability sector. Currently Head of Business Supports in SEAI helping to lead Ireland's energy transition. Fergus’ team provides a wide range of supports to businesses looking to improve energy efficiency and adopt renewable energy.
Ciaran McManus
Director at South West College
Ciaran McManus is Director of Development and Support at South West College, where he plays a key role in advancing innovation, sustainability and regional development initiatives. He has been closely involved in projects that promote low-carbon communities, sustainable education and the transition to a greener economy.
Pauline O' Reilly
CEO of Irish District Energy Association
Pauline O' Reilly is Chief Executive Officer of the Irish District Energy Association (IrDEA), the representative body for the district heating sector in Ireland. She works with industry, policymakers, local authorities and other stakeholders to support the development of efficient, low-carbon district heating systems as part of Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Her work focuses on promoting the role of district heating in decarbonising heat, improving energy efficiency, enhancing energy security and supporting the delivery of national climate and energy objectives.
Sean Finan
CEO of Irish Bioenergy Association
Sean Finan is Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Bioenergy Association and a recognised expert in renewable energy and rural development. He works to promote sustainable bioenergy solutions across Ireland, supporting communities, businesses and policymakers in reducing carbon emissions while strengthening local economies and energy security.
Willie Murphy
Business Operations Manager at Aurivo Co-Operative Society
Willie Murphy is a senior operations and manufacturing leader with extensive experience in Ireland’s dairy and agri-food sector through his work with Aurivo. His expertise includes sustainable production, operational development and supporting the role of industry in advancing renewable energy and low-carbon community initiatives.
Dr. Helen McHenry
Policy Analyst at WDC
Dr Helen McHenry is a Policy Analyst with the Western Development Commission (WDC) where she has responsibility for analysing socio-economic data and policy as it impacts on the Western Region of Ireland. Within the WDC she leads work on the low carbon transition for rural dwellers, mobility and transport issues for rural regions as well as energy infrastructure and renewable energy policy issues.
Niamh Garvey
Senior Policy Analyst at NESC
Niamh Garvey is a policy specialist with the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), where her work focuses on climate action, sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon society. She has contributed extensively to research and policy development on renewable energy, community engagement and achieving a more sustainable future for Ireland.
Dr. Niall Buckley
Adjunct Assistant Professor at UCD
Niall Buckley is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UCD and works at IES R&D, developing technology focused on making net-zero strategies practical and deliverable. He develops tools and digital models that help cities and organisations understand where energy is used, how it can be reduced, and how systems will cope under future climate conditions.