Our next regional networking event will head to Wicklow. Join us on 30 April 2025 for our Wicklow breakfast networking event at Beyond The Trees Avondale. This is a chance to connect with your fellow members and learn from inspiring industry professionals and your peers. This event is free for Sustainable Tourism Network (STN) members. Non-members can attend one event like this for free too as we’d love you to experience what STN is all about! Register today. 

Sign up for our Wicklow event today!

Agenda

9:00am: Registration, networking and breakfast bites

9:30am: Update from Sustainable Tourism Network

9:45am: Presentation to participants of Inbound Tourism Operators Association STN training programme

10:00am: Panel Discussion hosted by Roisin Finlay of the Sustainable Tourism Network and featuring

• Jim Callery, Climate Action Officer, Wicklow County Council
• Niall Davis, Founder, Biking.ie
• Anne Pears, New Business Development Manager, Veon
• Lorna Kelly, Coordinator, Wicklow Uplands Council

10:45am: Networking followed by optional guided tree-top walk + slide!

Sign up for our Wicklow event today!

Details on our speakers:

Jim Callery, Wicklow County Council

Jim Callery is Climate Action Officer with Wicklow County Council. He works as part of the recently established Climate Action team. Jim has more than 20 years’ experience working in local government, delivering environmental awareness programmes. He has a background in environmental science and has played a key role in the development of Wicklow County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024 to 2029. Jim has worked with the EPA’s Local Authority Prevention Network on resources efficiency demonstration projects, including a project to address food waste in the hospitality sector. Wicklow County Council’s Climate Action Plan aims to establish the local authority as a leader on climate action, leading by example through decarbonisation of its own activities and planning adaptation to changes in our climate in the coming decades. The plan aims to build collaboration with key stakeholders and sectors in the county to mobilise engagement in climate action.

Anne Pears, Veon

Anne Pears is New Business Development Manager at Veon where she works on forestry, ecology and arboriculture projects. Anne has extensive experience in medical device / pharmaceutical manufacturing, from startups, to corporate scaling, project management and she excels in Authentic Leadership Practices. A natural networker, Anne has built strong professional relationships across Galway, Ireland, and Europe. She thrives in public speaking, training, and fostering positive workplace cultures. A proud Galwegian, she is passionate about the Wild Atlantic Way. She is also an artist, interior designer and a year-round sea dipper. Anne embraces the unique lifestyle of the West of Ireland and is always eager to explore new opportunities and collaborations with a deep passion for expanding people’s understanding about Sustainable living. Anne was the founding member of the Galway Chamber Sustainability Committee.

Niall Davis, Biking.ie

Niall Davis, co-founder of Biking.ie, has significantly advanced environmental sustainability in Ireland’s mountain biking sector. Established in 2007 with his wife, Tarja Owens, Biking.ie operates hubs in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, offering bike rentals, guided tours, and lessons. Central to their mission is promoting cycling as a means to reduce environmental impact, enhance personal health and strengthen communities. Niall’s commitment extends beyond business; he has actively contributed to developing sustainable mountain biking trails across Ireland. Collaborating with Coillte, the state-owned forestry company, he has been involved in designing and planning the expansion of the national mountain bike trail network, ensuring they are low maintenance and low impact into the future. This initiative not only provides more eco-friendly recreational opportunities but also supports rural tourism and local economies. Through Biking.ie, Niall continues to foster a culture of environmental stewardship, demonstrating that adventure and sustainability can thrive together.

Lorna Kelly, Wicklow Uplands Council

Lorna joined Wicklow Uplands Council as the organisation’s Coordinator in 2024. With a strong academic background in botany, marine science, environmental protection and social policy, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her role.

Over the past 30 years, Lorna has worked across a range of umbrella organisations focused on sustainable resource management and community development. Her experience spans the marine sector, forestry and wood industries, art education and tourism, and upland landscape sustainability.

Lorna is passionate about fostering collaborative approaches that support both environmental stewardship, and local communities.

“I suspect I might be a little too well-travelled to qualify as a model of sustainable tourism—but I’ve learned a lot along the way.”

Free to all members.

Want to attend but not already a member? Contact Aoibheann today at aoibheann@sustainabletourismnetwork.ie

Sign up for our Wicklow event today!