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In this interview, Green Party candidate Nuala Carr discusses her background in environmental research, the challenges of gaining community acceptance for renewable energy projects, and the need for more inclusive, community-driven solutions to Ireland’s environmental crises.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I grew up in Letterkenny, which was a fantastic place to live and study. After finishing my Leaving Cert in 1990, I went to the University of Ulster in Coleraine, where I earned a BSc in Ecology and a Master’s in Research. I worked as an environmental consultant in Dublin and Sligo before returning to Letterkenny to pursue a PhD at Queen’s University Belfast, focused on how coastal communities feel about offshore wind energy and its local benefits.
You’ve researched the social acceptance of renewable energy projects. Can you explain what that means and some key findings from your work?
Renewable energy acceptance happens at three levels: government, industry, and community. While policies and industry profits are well understood, community acceptance is trickier. Despite public support for renewables, local opposition often arises, mainly due to being excluded from decision-making. Communities are frequently left out of the loop, which breeds distrust. Instead of real dialogue, the focus has been on offering financial incentives through community benefit funds. My research revealed evidence of three key issues: power imbalances between government, industry, and community; the misconception that financial incentives alone build support; and the importance of sustained, meaningful engagement with local communities.
The Green Party advocates for environmental goals that most people agree with, but it hasn’t always translated to votes. Why do you think that is?
Our environmental crises are driven by an economic system focused on endless growth, which often sacrifices long-term ecological health for short-term profits. The Green Party is committed to pushing for change, but as a minority coalition partner, compromises are sometimes necessary. Public resistance to policies like carbon taxes, particularly from lower-income communities, is a major hurdle. To succeed, the Green Party needs to balance ambitious environmental goals with policies that support vulnerable groups, ensuring practical solutions that protect both the planet and people.
Is the “shifting baseline” a major challenge in getting people to care about environmental destruction, since they may not see changes like forest loss in their own lifetimes?
It’s definitely a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. As we get older, we start to recognise the fragility of nature and the damage we’ve caused. Unfortunately, climate change deniers, including prominent figures globally, are making it harder to address these urgent issues by spreading misinformation and delaying action.
What environmental projects do you think would have the biggest impact in Ireland?
Ireland needs community-driven projects, like local wind farms, where capital is raised through cooperatives and profits stay within the community. We should shift from green capitalism to a model that builds local wealth and empowers communities.
Is it still possible to reverse our climate trends and avoid disaster?
Yes, but we must act immediately. We need a government focused on long-term sustainability, not short-term economic gain.
With climate change constantly in the news, how do you manage to switch off?
I reconnect with nature, whether it’s walking my dogs in the forest or on the beach. Living in Donegal, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to escapism. But climate anxiety is a real issue, especially for younger generations. We need more positive climate stories in the media, not just doom and gloom. People often don’t know where to start, but if we all think globally and act locally, we can make small changes in our communities and build networks for lasting solutions.
Is there anything you’d like to raise or any new developments on the horizon?
I’m concerned about the old oak tree in Ballyraine. The council insists it must be removed with no alternatives offered. This is a prime example of a community consultation approach that requires an upgrade, not just in Donegal but nationwide. We need to learn from this example and improve our community engagement for all developments—whether it’s cycle paths, wind farms, or greenways. There should be a two-way flow of information between developers and communities, ensuring concerns are addressed and agreement is reached before planning decisions are made.
Give me your number one vote and have your voice heard, for you, and your children.
Donations also welcome to the grassroots campaign: www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/NualaCarr
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