First Irish National Environmental Groups Showcase

24th January 2007

IRISH NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS voice concerns and call for action on public participation and five key themes; Water, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Development, Waste, outlining concerns in these areas and suggesting some actions to address them. 

An Taisce's Natural Environment Officer, Anja Murray (right), and Marina Mitrovic, Planning Department Manager, at An Taisce's information stand on the day.

ADVANCE NOTICE PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday 24th January 2007

The first Irish National Environmental Groups Showcase is aimed at sitting politicians, candidates in the next election, the press and the interested public. The focus of the day is to raise issues which require urgent action – in particular in the areas of Water, Biodiversity, Climate change, Development and Waste and to call for the overdue implementation of EU law ensuring public participation in environmental matters. There will be stands with information on the groups’ work, concerns and solutions.

This one-day event in Buswells Hotel will include a series of short presentations explaining and illustrating the priority actions NGOs are seeking from government on the environment. In between, visitors will have the opportunity to browse and meet leading national environmental group representatives at their stands. The formal launch of the campaign by Eanna ní Lamhna will take place at 1pm.

The outcomes of the day will be used to produce a ‘Charter of priority issues and actions for the environment and you’, to encourage citizens to ask election candidates calling to their door about environmental issues. The candidate’s interest, competence and pledges should influence how and whether to vote.

Environmental group stands to visit: An Taisce, Bat Conservation Ireland, Coastwatch Ireland, Crann, ECO-UNESCO, Feasta, Forest Friends, Friends of the Earth Ireland, Friends of the Irish Environment, Grian, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Irish Seed Savers Association, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Irish Wildlife Trust, Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association and Sustainable Ireland Co-operative.

Further information contact Bridget or Sorcha, EENGO Secretariat. office@eengosec.ie Tel: 01 4054834 + or content coordinator Karin Dubsky kdubsky@coastwatch.org 086 8111 684; see also www.eengosec.ie