Section 1: Energy
The festival specifically uses the location provided at the Portmagee Domes to highlight sustainability and energy efficiency goals as follows;
The geodesic domes that the Comic Con takes place in are the most sustainable type of structure that humanity has thus far designed and uses the least amount of materials to create the greatest amount of useable floor space.
The domes themselves utilize a cleaver energy system that incorporates smart tech battery as well as a wind turbine to maximize green energy and nighttime energy usage at all times.
Surrounding the Portmagee Domes is a native Irish Woodlands at the early stages of growth and incorporates over 5,000 native Irish trees adding to carbon capture capacity of the site.
Section 2: Travel and Transport
Unfortunately, the Skellig coast area is in general poorly serviced by Public Transport, however we will be making local transport suppliers aware of the festival and the opportunity to pool resources for transportation needs. In particular, for the Gala Awards night as many attendees will be travelling from Portmagee to Knightstown in Valentia to attend the event.
Section 3: Materials and Waste
We will have a single use plastic ban in place at the two main festival locations.
We will have clearly marked recycling bins provided at both festival locations.
Section 4: Food & Beverage
We do not specifically provide major catering at the event with the exception of the Gala Awards night which is provided by The Royal Hotel and will include vegetarian and vegan options.
Section 5: Water
We are only using correctly plumbed water sources and no temporary provisions or portaloos etc are part of our water plan. This ensures that all waste water is treated effectively and with minimal intermediary transportation stages required.
Our water points are correctly signposted and for 2026 we will specifically mark out water points for guide dogs also.
Section 6: Nature & Biodiversity
The Sci-fi Comic Con is hosted at the Portmagee Domes which are surrounded by a specifically planted native Irish woodlands and rewilding field’s location. We will provide some information points at this point to mention what these efforts are and links to how people can become involved such as working with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and local wildlife and environmental groups operating within the Skellig Coast.
Section 7: Governance
All locations involved are requested to show their relevant environmental policy.
Part of our budget breakdown is for signage and for 2026, this will include signage specifically to address both accessibility and sustainability aspects of the festival.
Section 8: Additional Considerations
This is still a very small festival but has taken environmental and sustainability considerations to heart.
John Murphy, Festival Coordinator is currently completing an MA in Regenerative Tourism through MTU. The May The 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival is featured in several of his assigned projects to do with regenerative tourism, sustainability and accessibility considerations. It is hoped this research along with networking afforded through participation with MTU on the program ill better prepare the festival to improve in these important areas over the coming years.