Further to the decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission to the latest Corrib gas pipeline application , the Chair of An Taisce, Charles Stanley-Smith in commenting on the decision stated: “ An Taisce was very disappointed with An Bord Pleanála’s decision. An Taisce considers that the implications of this decision go far beyond the Corrib gas pipeline and have major repercussions for the status of implementation of European Directives in Ireland. In this instance An Taisce has concerns both in relation to Irish and European Law”

Mr Stanley-Smith continued: “ An Taisce has decided to pursue a judicial review in relation to the Corrib Pipeline Decision ”

As an independent charitable organisation, Stanley-Smith clarified that An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, will need to fundraise to assist with the considerable costs associated with preparing for and mounting a Judicial Review. Mr Stanley-Smith indicated that details of how to donate to the campaign would shortly be up on the An Taisce website at www.AnTaisce.org, and indicated he hoped people and organisations from around the country and beyond would rally quickly to support An Taisce in its ongoing commitment to ensure the rule of environmental law is upheld robustly in Ireland.

“I am all too aware of the economic pressure people are under in Ireland today, and of the implication of asking them for funds to support this campaign. However the environment is without question our most important resource and is fundamental to indigenous industries in Agri-Food, Tourism and the equine sector, which between them employ in and around 450,000 people. An Taisce is committed to protecting that environment for current and future generations both as a moral imperative but also from the point of view of our sustainable economic development"

An Taisce has been successful in pursuing a number of Judicial Reviews of decisions made by An Bord Pleanála, and is focusing now on the very short and demanding timeframe to pursue yet a further case - this time on the latest Corrib Gas Pipeline decision announced just last week. End:

For further comment contact: Charles Stanley-Smith, Chairperson of An Taisce: 087 241199 Abby McSherry, Public affairs officer 087 9598767