The CEF Environmental Awards 2009 Continuing the success of this series over the years, CEF held its annual Environmental Awards at the Firkin Crane, Cork City on Tuesday 8th December 2009. Unsung heroes were the again the toast of the evening at the 2009 Cork Environmental Forum annual awards ceremony at the Firkin Crane. This is the 7th year that CEF has held its Environmental Awards which honour the sometimes little known actions of groups, organisations and individuals around the county that have contributed to the health or richness of the Cork environment. Each year, the awards are split into different categories according to different pillars of society and nominations are accepted from CEF members for actions that are in keeping with the spirit of sustainable development and community resilience. The following winners of the 2009 CEF awards were each presented with a certificate and the Tree Council's Tree of the Year 2009: Arbutus. The Cork Main Drainage Project (Cork City Council supported by Cork County Council) won the award in the Public Sector category. The environmental benefits of the huge project are now coming to the fore as more and more people use the river for leisure and amenity. Sixty million litres of sewage per day was dumped into the River Lee prior to the opening of this scheme - now there is none. The team were nominated by CEF member Barry Hurley. Pictured here are (l to r) Michael Hobbs (Chairman CEF), Kevin Terry (City Engineer), Kevin Murray (Chair Cork Branch Engineers Ireland presenting the award), Eamonn Walsh (Senior Engineer, City Council) and Patrick Treacy (Development Coordinator CEF). The Nano Nagle Centre and Killavullen Farmers Market were presented with the prize in the Community and Voluntary category for their leadership in promoting sustainable values and practices. The centre runs a variety of courses throughout the year in practical sustainability and the market, which is based on the organic farm at the centre, supplies locally produced food to the surrounding community. The Nano Nagle Centre and Killavullen Farmers Market were nominated by CEF member Mary Sleeman. Pictured here are (l to r) Michael Hobbs (Chair CEF), Bernie Connolly (Treasurer CEF and Community & Voluntary pillar rep), Adrienne Dockrell (Killavullen Farmers Market) and Sister Paula (Nano Nagle Centre). Avego, based in Kinsale but with offices worldwide, were presented the award in the Business and Commercial Sector this year. Avego's Shared Transport application for iPhone is a revolutionary use of technology which effectively facilitates users turning their car into a bus and thereby using the empty seats we so often have on regular commutes. Avego was nominated by CEF member Kieran McDonogh. Read Sean O'Sullivan's acceptance speech here. Pictured here are (l to r) Michael Hobbs (Chair CEF), Sean O'Sullivan (CEO, Avego) and Phoebe Bright (CEF member and Business & Commercial pillar rep). Dr. Colin Campbell (Founder of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil) was the winner in the Individual Action category for his enduring vision and effort in bringing this critical issue to the attention of not just County Cork, but the whole world. There are now 36 branches of ASPO worldwide. Colin was nominated by CEF member Bernie Connolly. Pictured here are (l to r) Michael Hobbs (Chair CEF), Dr. Colin Campbell and Declan Waugh (last year's winner in this category presenting the award). The CEF Environmental Awards 2009 - The Winners! Pictured here are (l to r) Dr. Colin Campbell, Sean O'Sullivan, Michael Hobbs, Adrienne Dockrell, Eamonn Walsh, Sr. Paula, Patrick Treacy and Kevin Terry. Photographs by Malachy Harty Photography.