Know Your Number - The Contestants:
Fiona McAleenan
Fiona McAleenan
Carbon Number = 16**
Fiona McAleenan, from Bettystown, Co. Meath, is a 48 year old working mother of seven. Fiona works three days a week as a solicitor in Essex Quay and her husband, Gerry, works full time for HSE Drug Rehabilitation in Capel Street. Fiona travels to work by private bus with her eldest son Ruaidhri, who is studying journalism in Ballyfermot College. Gerry drives a ’08 Opel Zafira to work everyday and drops the four youngest children to school on the way. Her seven children range in ages from four to 21.
The family of nine live in a two-storey, 5-bed, detached house. The windows are double glazed but there is a sky light, which leads to loss of heat. Fiona admits that insulation in the house is poor and needs improving, especially in the attic. With seven children in the house, the washing machine is always in use, but they hardly ever use the dryer. There are four televisions and a skybox in the house. Fiona’s family took two flights last year, to Cyprus in May and Portugal in August.
Fiona says her knowledge of climate change is not great, but she is trying. She is committed to walking more and using less energy, by turning off lights when they are not in use. She admits it is not easy with seven children, but is eager for them to learn good habits now that they can pass on to others when they are older.
Fiona’s hobbies include reading and keeping abreast of current affairs.
**The contestants numbers will be subject to change. As part of the competition the contestants will be undergoing a detailed carbon examination of their home and lifestyle, this will take place in the coming weeks.
