Congratulations to Sabine McKenna of Sustainable Skerries, who has received a Fingal Mayor’s Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community!
Sabine was nominated for the award by Skerries Community Association board of directors. 230 nominations were submitted and 24 people (including Sabine) received awards. The awards were presented by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony, at a magnificent reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown on Thursday 1st June 2023.
We believe she was also nominated by a Skerries resident. Here is the citation that we submitted:
Sabine’s passion for the environment and determination to improve sustainability and resilience in Skerries are infectious. She chairs Sustainable Skerries, leading and growing an active committee and volunteer group.
She drives numerous projects – promoting climate action, circular economy, waste reduction, biodiversity, S.L.O.W. food, and organic gardening. Her focus is always on community, promoting local initiatives and positive changes.
In 2022, Sabine secured funding for and organised a bespoke course on sustainability for 24 local participants, who became inspired to make change in Skerries. Sabine ran the inaugural Skerries Eco night with organisations and individuals from Skerries, sharing ideas and stimulating action. The follow-up event took place on 27th April, on how to further improve biodiversity.
With ChangeX funding, she organised local volunteers to plant 30 fruit and nut trees in Open Orchards around Skerries. Inspired by this, Fingal County Council funded 70 more trees in 8 Skerries locations to be enjoyed for years to come. She is also organising Skerries’ first Eco Festival, with FCC funding, bringing together groups from Skerries to demonstrate their eco initiatives and easily-adopted sustainable practices.
Sabine was an outstanding board member and secretary of Skerries Community Association for several years. During this time, she set up and ran a committee to establish Skerries Coder Dojo – a coding club for children and teenagers, established Skerries Neighbourhood Networks, and ran the online communications and a children’s Minecraft project for Skerries Soundwaves arts festival.
Her contribution to so many aspects of life in Skerries is simply incredible!
