News & Views

As part of the weaving together all things all-island, iCommunity was able to offer a small hand to the Collaboration & Transformation conference on Tuesday, 25 February at the wonderful Draíocht arts centre in Dublin. The event was the culmination of a programme of facilitated cross-border learning visits co-created through a partnership between Development Trusts NI and Carmichael, (funded by the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs, Shared Island Civic Society).  

Their year-long programme connected participants with innovative community-led initiatives across the North and South of Ireland. Insights from these exchanges contributed Social Economy for a Shared Island Report, launched at the conference, which outlines practical steps to strengthen the sector through policy change, funding reform, and legislative support. Contributors to the report included Development Trusts NI, Carmichael Queen’s University Belfast, Dublin City University, with specific input from research analysts, Deiric Ó Broin, Brendan Murtagh, and Andrew Ground whose contributions enhanced the evidence base. 

The conference brought together community, voluntary, and social enterprise stakeholders from across Ireland and explored shared challenges and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. 

Watch the Conference Video

Thought-Provoking Presentations & Exchange 

The event was compèred by Belfast based actress Nuala McKeever and there was a guest performance by the wild and wonderful Armagh Rhymers – a traditional music group inspired by the culture of the Wren Boys and the Mummers, evoking a sense of the ancient house visiting traditions of Ireland, where the kitchen floor became the stage.  

Keynote Speaker: Søren Hermansen delivered a dynamic and inspiring presentation entitled A Vision for Community-Led Renewable Energy. Søren, a pioneer in this field has led the transformation of Samsø, Denmark, into the world’s first 100% renewable energy island. His invaluable lessons on community ownership of energy infrastructure included the importance of strategic energy planning that is both locally driven and democratically structured. He emphasized that the success of Samsø’s renewable transition was not just about technology but about people, place, and participation. Other key lessons from his presentation included: 

• Local ownership is key – Samsø’s transition was built on a model where residents became financial stakeholders in the renewable energy projects, fostering local buy-in and long-term sustainability. 
• Integrated planning – A successful energy strategy must align housing, infrastructure, land use, and environmental goals to create a balanced, future-proofed system. 
• Flexibility and long-term vision – Sustainable change happens when communities, government, and industry work together over the long term, with local citizens deliberating to prioritise local needs while addressing global challenges like climate change. 
• Economic and social benefits – Beyond reducing emissions, Samsø’s transition has created jobs, attracted young families, and revitalised rural life. 

DTNI’s ongoing advocacy for community ownership legislation in Northern Ireland aligns closely with Søren’s vision, reinforcing the need for policy reform that enables communities to take ownership of local renewable energy solutions. 

Engaging Panel Discussion & Action-Oriented Breakout Sessions 

A panel discussion, facilitated by Nuala McKeever, featured speakers who are active in developing community wealth building, cross-border cooperation, and social economics: 

• Brendan Murtagh (QUB) 
• Deiric Ó Broin (DCU) 
• Dr Anthony Soares (Centre for Cross Border Cooperation) 
• Pauline Smith (Development Trusts Association Scotland) 
• Roisin Markham (Irish Doughnut Economics Network) 
• Staffan Lindqvist (International Federation of Settlements & Neighbourhood Centers) 

Following this, participants engaged in four focused breakout sessions, where Shared Island programme participants shared insights and expertise and identified key recommendations for statutory bodies to enhance cross-border collaboration in specific areas. 

Breakout Session Speakers: 

1. Supporting and Empowering Rural Communities

• Aoibeann Walsh (Rural Support) 

• Catherine Kenneally (Embrace Farm) 

• Liam Lynch (Ecovision) 

2. Building a Sustainable Social Economy

• John Kearns (Partas) 

• Fintan McAliskey (STEP) 

• Claire Doherty (Carntogher Community Association) 

3. Regeneration through Community Arts

• Emer McGowan (Draíocht) 

• Alison Gordon (Open House Festival) 

4. Harnessing the Power and Influence of Our Island’s Global Community

• Tura Arutura (Africa House) 

• Dr David Nyaluka (UCC) 

Each session explored practical steps for growth, funding, and collaboration across both jurisdictions. 

Closing remarks were led by a “Keynote Listener” Suzie Cahn, who runs the iCommunity Shared Practice hub and other projects as the Shared Island Project Director at The Wheel. 

This conference reaffirmed the potential for community-led collaboration to drive economic and social transformation across Ireland.  

Read A Social Economy for a Shared Island Report.