Despite the dire state of the economy, the great need to defend our heritage continues. An Taisce still needs money to develop our diverse and varied roles. While we receive project funding from state agencies for certain projects, we urgently require core funds to continue many unfunded and critically important roles and to make progress toward our charitable objectives. Would you consider making a special gift to An Taisce this year to protect our nation’s cultural and natural treasures?
There are several ways in which you can help:
- Send a cheque to us at headquarters or make a gift online at http://realex.antaisce.org*
- Leave a gift to future generations by making a legacy in your will through our legacy programme.
- Join us on Facebook as a “Fan” of An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland and tell your friends about us as well. Use the site to tell us too about your favourite places in Ireland, ideas you may have, or unique species you’ve seen at An Taisce heritage sites!
- Your support will help An Taisce achieve a series of key goals vital to our continued success:
Provide for full-time professional management of properties that An Taisce holds as Ireland’s National Trust
This would include the provision of educational and interpretive facilities and also allow us to develop long-term conservation and management plans for these sites. An Taisce holds more than 10,000 acres and 45 historic structures in 10 counties in trust for the people of Ireland. These sites are currently looked after by volunteers and they urgently need the support and help of professional staff.
Help us to respond to unsustainable developments that damage Irish heritage
An Taisce, an independent charitable organisation, has a unique role as a ‘prescribed body’ in Ireland’s planning legislation. This means we have a right and a duty to comment on any application for development that affects the built and natural heritage in special amenity areas. To respond effectively, sometimes within very short timeframes, we need more staff.
Enforce existing policies and regulations
An Taisce, through education and advocacy, plays a leading role in influencing national policy on the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. As part of this international treaty, Ireland has made commitments to halt biodiversity loss and climate change, and An Taisce’s unbiased eye is needed to bring unsustainable and unlawful practices to the attention of the authorities. Funding is needed to be able to play a more proactive role.
Provide support for local associations
To improve the services we offer to local associations and their communities, we need to develop literature and training materials. We need to share best practice and to coordinate actions. Strong local associations enable public participation in the planning process.
Establish a series of debates and conferences in Dublin and around the country
These will be designed to raise awareness of the best practice in the protection of our built and natural heritage.
Thank you for your continued support,
Lorraine Hackett, Fundraising Officer
* Both PAYE and Self-Assessed taxpayers can claim deductions from the Office of Revenue for charitable donations. However if you are a PAYE taxpayer and give more than €250 in one year, as a charity An Taisce can also claim an additional amount from the Office of Revenue of up to 69.5% of the value of your original donation.