Carrickmacross Men's Shed contributes to Dundalk IT funded research
PhD researcher Ben Mc Cabe who is currently undertaking a Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) funded PhD, worked with the Men’s Shed in Carrickmacross, to create bird boxes and wildlife habitats for the Íontas Arts and Community Resource Centre in Castleblayney
Originally from Cavan, PhD researcher Ben Mc Cabe is currently undertaking a CREATE DkIT-funded PhD, Green Theatre, at the School of Creative Arts and Informatics, Dundalk Institute of Technology and Maynooth University.
As part of his research, which explores the environmental responsibility of the arts, particularly regional theatre, in responding to the challenges of climate change, Ben recently worked closely with the Men’s Shed in Carrickmacross.
As part of this project, Ben collaborated with members from the Men’s Shed, to create bird boxes and wildlife habitats for the Íontas Arts and Community Resource Centre, Castleblayney.
The habitats were created using recycled waste from the theatre. This included discarded materials from theatrical productions, together with ventilation cowls previously installed above the auditorium, which have been repurposed to create habitats for bats, native and migratory birds, and insects.
His research explores the environmental responsibilities of the arts, particularly regional theatre, in responding to the challenges of climate change. Recently, Ben worked closely with the Carrickmacross Men's Shed on a creative sustainability initiative.
The bird boxes and wildlife habitats can now be found at the Íontas Arts and Community Resource Centre, Castleblayney, as an exemplar of how the arts and theatre can address their environmental responsibility.
Speaking about the collaboration, Ben said: “The arts play a powerful role in exchanging information with communities about climate change, encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour, and helping us recognise the often-hidden ways our everyday activities affect the natural world.
“Theatre makers and artists are increasingly reconsidering how they work, from sourcing materials responsibly and planning for their reuse, to reducing their digital footprint, energy consumption and conserving water.”
Ben continued, “at Íontas Arts and Community Resource Centre in Castleblayney, this thinking has been put into practice in a particularly imaginative way with the help of the wonderful Carrickmacross Men's Shed.
“Incorporating these habitats into the exterior of the theatre building creates opportunities for wildlife and encourages a different relationship between the built environment and the natural world.
“Through this initiative, we hope that everyone who visits Íontas Arts and Community Resource Centre will be encouraged to reflect on their own relationship with nature and consider how even modest changes to our buildings, communities and everyday practices can help create a more welcoming environment for wildlife."