Newcastle West in County Limerick is to become a Fairtrade Town following agreement by all municipal district councillors. There was unanimous agreement in support of Newcastle West becoming a Fairtrade Town following a motion proposed by the Mayor of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Michael Collins and seconded by Cllr John Sheahan.
Mayor Collins had recently participated in a number of Limerick City Fairtrade events and had requested that the Limerick group make a presentation to the Newcastle West Municipal District about the work they do and why it is important.
Mayor Collins said: “This is an important step for Newcastle West as it embraces compassion and while acting locally we are thinking globally. Fairtrade means standing with farmers and producers for fairness and equality, and against some of the biggest challenges the world faces.”
“Fairtrade is one simple way to spark change – and it starts with our choices. I am delighted to have supported Newcastle West on its journey to becoming a Fairtrade Town. I would like to thank Dolores O’Meara, Sr Delia O’Connor and their team of Limerick City Fairtrade volunteers for the enlightening presentation and wish them every success with the efforts on Fairtrade throughout the city and county.”
Limerick City has been a Fairtrade City since 2005 and works to promote the goals of fairness and equality for people in less well developed nations. Fairtrade embraces the United Nations Sustainability Goals which aim to end poverty in all its forms, everywhere, while leaving no one behind.
This ambition is central to Fairtrade’s mission which want to ensure that food producers and farmers have a living wage within their country.
Embracing Fairtrade is an action under Climate Action and relevant to a number of categories in the National TidyTowns Competition. This will be an action in the Newcastle West Tidy Towns group application for 2021.