Community Hubs

Across County Carlow, grassroots hubs provide welcoming spaces where different generations meet, share skills, tackle rural isolation, and put circular, sustainable living into daily practice. In this episode, host Conor Reid travels to Ballon and Tinryland to explore two thriving local hubs that are revitalising their rural communities.

First, we chat to Maura George, chairperson of Ballon Tidy Towns and Ballon Improvement Group, to learn about An Siopa Glas. Founded in 2012 and driven by dedicated volunteers, the community shop sells everything "from a needle to an anchor" – upcycling donated furniture, altering pre-loved textiles, and reinvesting proceeds directly back into village biodiversity and enhancement projects.

Next, we travel to Tinryland Community Hub to speak to committee members Mary Foley and Leo Hogan. The hub was set up to restore a vital communal heart to the parish after the closure of local amenities. Operating on a not-for-profit social enterprise model, the hub features an affordable and social café, Irish language meetups, workshops and lots more.

 

Credits:

Produced by the Environment Department of Carlow County Council in partnership with the Carlow Arts Office and Creative Ireland.
Hosted by Conor Reid and edited by Dan Wilcox, The Podcast Studios.
Executive Producer: Dee Sewell, Carlow County Council.

What is Eco Chats: Carlow's Eco Journey?

About Carlow's Eco Journey:

Carlow's Eco Journey shines a spotlight on the county's vibrant environmental actions quietly taking place, and the inspiring individuals and groups behind them. From conservation efforts and heritage protection to inclusive green initiatives and creative climate solutions, each episode captures the spirit of collaboration and care that defines Carlow's approach to climate action.

In our latest season, hosted by Conor Reid, listeners will hear inspiring stories from creative artists, community gardeners, schools, public transport providers, community hubs, energy advisors and sustainability champions. From helping families reduce their energy costs and cutting textile waste, to creating greener neighbourhoods and stronger communities, each episode celebrates the practical actions that are making a real difference across the county.

Season 1 is hosted by broadcaster Alan Swan, and features engaging conversations with community groups, educators, activists, and volunteers who are making a real difference across County Carlow. From conservation efforts and heritage protection to inclusive green initiatives and creative climate solutions, the podcast captures the spirit of collaboration and care that defines Carlow’s approach to climate action.

Eco Chats is a reminder that climate action is not just happening at a national level. It is happening here in Carlow every day, driven by local people who care deeply about their communities and are helping to build a more sustainable future for everyone.

For more information on this series go to https://carlow.ie/

Credits:

Produced by Carlow County Council in association with Creative Ireland

Season 2: Hosted by Conor Reid. Executive Producer: Dee Sewell (Carlow County Council). Sound Production, Design & Research: The Podcast Studios

Season 1: Hosted by Alan Swan. Executive Producer: Dee Sewell (Carlow County Council). Sound Production, Design & Research: SwanMcG.

Special thanks to: Carlow County Council Environmental & Climate Action Team, Creative Ireland Carlow & Stakeholders. For more information: