Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has hosted an event on Industrial Decarbonisation (ID) which is part of a series of engagements led by Invest Northern Ireland.

Nearly 60 representatives from various local businesses across the council area participated in the fourth of a series of business events organised by Council Chair, Councillor Thomas O'Reilly.

Invest NI is seeking to establish four clusters as part of its ID-NI Project which will support businesses to identify opportunities to benefit them in terms of efficiencies and investment and financial support. Eugene Heaney, Green Economy Business Development Manager with Invest NI, outlined what the ID-NI Project should look like and why businesses should become involved.

Speaking at the event, Council Chair. Councillor Thomas O'Reilly, said:

"It is recognised that achieving decarbonisation targets will be uniquely challenging for all business sectors, from those operating large industrial processing sites to SMEs, logistics and agri-food businesses, who are the backbone of the District.

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"This event provided an opportunity to discuss and explore the potential benefits and challenges at a local and regional level.

"It also provides an opportunity to showcase the suitability of businesses in Fermanagh and Omagh for one of Invest NI’s ID-NI clusters. The Council would be delighted if one of the clusters was in our District."

The Council's Director of Environment and Place, John News, presented an outline of the Council's Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategy. John showcased several initiatives undertaken by the Council to fulfil its pledge of achieving a 'Net Zero' district by 2042. He underscored the significance of fostering collaboration with local businesses to assist them in curbing their carbon emissions.

Also speaking at the event, Stephen Kelly from Manufacturing NI outlined the benefits of Industrial Decarbonisation and why businesses should pursue strategies and initiatives to help achieve this.

Gordon Best, from the NI Mineral Products Association, shared insights from that sector and recognised examples of innovative projects which are being delivered in this area. The morning was rounded out with a presentation from Matthew Rhodes (Camirus), who provided an insight into the practical challenges and benefits of a collaborative industrial decarbonisation project in the Midlands of England (‘Re-Powering the Black County’).