Green Party calls for Bray Air Show to become carbon neutral

The Green Party is demanding that the popular Bray Air Display be made carbon neutral this year.

Green Party TDs have cited other similar events, including the Air Display in Bournemouth in the UK which has recently committed to offsetting their carbon emissions.

According to the Independent, Green Party Councillor Erika Doyle has said that a change is needed more than ever this year, as the show will take place over two days instead of the usual one.

“Thousands of litres of jet fuel will be used during the event,” Ms Doyle told the Wicklow Times, criticising the environmental impact of “air display and pleasure helicopter flights”.

A helicopter at the 2019 Bray Air Display, image via brayairdisplay.com

Referencing Bournemouth’s step towards carbon neutrality, Ms Doyle added “Other air shows have followed. I see no reason why Bray should not do the same.

“In a time of climate crisis, we need to look at the carbon footprint of an of event like this, now extending to two full days of air display and pleasure helicopter flights.”

Ms Doyle acknowledged the thousands of people who enjoy the Air Display every year, and the increased business it brings to Bray Seafront. She has said that this is not an objection to the show itself – “It’s just an observation on how things might be improved or tweaked. It’s only right that residents of Bray, who must deal with the negative knock-on effects of the event, get to have their say”.

An Aer Lingus Jet and and the Irish Air Corp at the Bray Air Show in 2019. 

The Bray Air Display is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 29th July and Sunday, 30th July.

Header image via brayairdisplay.com

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