Welcome, This two-day conference is being held to initiate a wider debate on developing local solutions to the economic, ecological and social challenges facing Ireland. By bringing together experienced campaigners and economists from France, the US, Australia, the UK and here in Ireland, it is hoped to develop a local response to a multiplicity of challenges. The conference is also focusing on the influence of current and historic retail planning policies, the effect of supermarkets on local economies and ways of strengthening local food supply chains. Speakers will also discuss local currencies and the notion of a local ‘liquidity network’ to facilitate small enterprise and commercial activity and to keep money circulating in the local economy.

County Kilkenny has the basis of a good local energy supply chain from small-scale hydro to biomass. This, in turn, has the ability to supply community-owned local energy companies, creating district heating systems and providing income for tillage farmers. This will be discussed in detail at the conference. The role of emerging public procurement policy and the impact which sustainability criteria can have on local suppliers, service providers and producers will also be addressed. This is an outcomes-focused conference with workshops and a plenary session. It is hoped to use the ideas which emerge from this two-day event to help counties like Kilkenny to adapt to a changed world.

We hope you can join us in the beautiful medieval city of Kilkenny to help envision a sustainable economic, social and environmental future for Ireland.