Who We Are
An Taisce - 'The Store House, or Treasury' is The National Trust For Ireland. Established in 1948, it is the most influential environmental body in Ireland.

All our policies reflect our core belief that a high quality environment is central to Ireland achieving a successful and sustainable economy, as well as a high quality of life. This is based on the view that prevention is better than cure, partnership and dialogue are better than conflict and monologue, and strategic planning surpasses reactive expediency.

An Taisce is a Prescribed Body under the Planning Acts and the only one which is independent of the State. Local Authorities are obliged to consult An Taisce on a vast array of development proposals and consequently our range of expertise extends across Ireland's natural, built and social heritage.

An Taisce headquarters is based in Tailors' Hall, Dublin, a restored early eighteenth century Guild Hall. It has a professional staff of 17 people and a membership of over 5,000 spread among 20 local associations around the country.

What We Do
An Taisce seeks to educate, inform and lead public opinion on the environment; and to advocate and influence policy at European, national and local levels. This remit is an interconnected approach to promoting environmental issues and sustainable development that revolves around three core actions; education, advocacy and heritage ownership. An Taisce strategies to achieve this remit include:

• Publishing and promoting coherent environmental policies to guide and encourage public dialogue and key decision makers.
• Coordinating International, European, and National environmental education projects, including Blue Flag, Green-Schools, Green Coast Award and National Spring Clean which provide a strong incentive to excellence in environmental performance in Ireland.
• Monitoring planning applications and taking action where appropriate to ensure responsible development.
• Providing planning advise on local, national and strategic development plans.
• Publishing reports on a wide range of environmental concerns.
• Holding and managing sixteen heritage properties on behalf of the people of Ireland.
• Organising lectures, conferences and seminars on environmental issues.
• Providing environmental representation on a number of State panels and boards.
• Collaborating with State agencies and other environmental voluntary organisations.