Prince Charles visit last week to Balcas timber plant in Ballycassidy was something of a labour of love for he makes no secret of his dedication to promoting environmental issues.
Welcoming him to the plant, the managing director, Ernest Kidney told him: "Balcas frequently welcomes visitors to learn how a major player in our industry can survive in a corner of rural Ireland.
"They want to know about our business, about our sawmill technology and about our total utilisation of the forest resource on this site. But, when we get to that part of the tour where we visit the reed-bed filtration system, their interest tends to wane.
"So, it is with particular pleasure that I welcome you, because you are our first visitor who not only knows what a reed-bed filtration system looks like but has got one of his own at home," Mr Kidney commented.
Mr Kidney told the prince he had read with particular interest the coverage of his recent May Day business summit, when he had described as an emergency his belief that, 'business as usual' would no longer be an option, 'as climate change alters our world, our environment, and ultimately our way of life'.
"But", he went on, "we live in a world that is hungry for energy, a world where developed nations consume four barrels of oil for every new barrel we discover; a world where developing nations will double that consumption inside a decade; and a world where environmental responsibility is too often perceived as the enemy of commercial development, of economic growth, and of profit.
"I do not have to remind any of us that the primary causes of global warming are transport, the generation of electricity and the creation of heat.
"It follows therefore, that harnessing renewable sources to generate emission-free electricity and heat, while reducing vehicle emissions - and doing both with no negative impact on business, employment and the economy - comes close to balancing environmental responsibility with business as usual. This is exactly what we are doing in Balcas," Mr Kidney added.
During the visit, the Prince was taken on a tour of the impressive Balcas plant. Firstly, he visited the sawmill and met a number of operators at their work stations. He then moved to the Combined Heat and Power Plant in the factory where he was given an overview of the operation by staff before going on to view the manufacture of wood pellets and enjoy the opportunity of viewing the finished pellet in the bagging area.
A number of invited guests and staff members also met the royal visitor after the tour. He was presented with a bag of the Balcas wood pellet product, 'Brites' and an Irish bog oak pen.
Speaking to the guests, Prince Charles commended Balcas on their innovation and their efforts. He added : "'Business as usual' is no longer an option, but at Balcas you have shown how good it can be when you look for an alternative way. It is remarkable how good it can be for business, and you here at Balcas have clearly demonstrated that".
At the same time as the Prince visited Balcas, his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall attended a lunch at the nearby Erne Palace restaurant at Inishclare on the shores of Lower Lough Erne to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Federation of Women's Institutes of Northern Ireland. She was accompanied by the Countess of Erne.
Upon her arrival The Duchess was introduced to the President, Federation of Women's Institutes of Northern Ireland, Lady Anthony Hamilton, its chairman, Betty Birney and its General Secretary, Irene Sproule.
Prior to commencing her engagement, the Duchess was invited by the owners, Cecil Armstrong and George Shek to sign the Visitors Book.
Following lunch, she viewed a number of displays associated with the work of the Women's Institute and had the opportunity to meet a number of invited guests before cutting a 75th Anniversary cake.
