Family Fun Friday at Lifetime Lab

Falconry, magic shows, balloon making and an animal road show are just some of the activities on offer on Friday April 2^nd (Good Friday) at Lifetime Lab. A fun family day out is guaranteed as children undertake a treasure hunt to solve clues on the way to finding a secret Easter egg depot. The Easter Bunny has left an egg for everyone who completes the challenge.

 

Open from 10.00am - 4.00pm, tickets are €5 per child and adults go free.

All proceeds from the day will be distributed to local primary schools in the Bishopstown area

For further information, please contact Lifetime Lab at: 021-4941500 or view the website www.lifetimelab.ie

 

 

Renewable Gas Conference UCC Cork 15 April 2010

UCC will host a one day conference entitled "Grass as a source of renewable gaseous fuel" on Thursday 15 April 2010.

 

The conference funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will highlight the potential of renewable gas (biomethane) produced from grass as a source of transport fuel or heat. A recent paper published by the Biofuels Research Group in The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in UCC suggests a practical potential substitution of 7% of natural gas by biomethane through digestion of organic feed-stocks, in particular grass. This may be compared with a German target for biomethane supply of 6% of natural gas by 2020 and 10% by 2030.

 

The deadline for conference registration is Friday 9 April (places are limited to 90). For more information on the conference and how to register please visit the following web-link:

 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/eri/newsandevents/bodytext,98300,en.html

Fota Request

From: education@fotawildlife.ie

021 481 2678 Fax: +353(0)21 481 2744 Web: www.fotawildlife.ie

In association with the National Biodiversity Centre, Fota Wildlife Park are seeking the assistance of botanists / zoologists to help in the identification of  floral and faunal species that are to be found within the wildlife park on that day. It is the first time that a census of its type has taken place in Fota Wildlife Park and it will help to promote awareness among members of the public as to the diversity of indigenous species present within the confines of the park, while simultaneously helping to promote the importance of their conservation. 

Any interested parties may contact Fota by email or alternatively by phone (021) 4812678 ext 206.

Thanking you in advance.


Lynda McSweeney

Grant aid approved to Sustainable Clonakilty

For further information/comment, please contact Alison Wickham, Secretary Sustainable Clonakilty on 023 883 5241

GRANT AID APPROVED TO SUSTAINABLE CLONAKILTY

Sustainable Clonakilty is delighted to announce that it has accepted the offer of a grant of up to €26,900.00 from the West Cork Development Partnership, through the Scheme for Grant Aid for Investments under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, for a feasibility study as part of its Clonergy 2020 project. The Clonergy 2020 project's mission is to enable the transition of Clonakilty and the surrounding areas to energy neutrality through renewable resources, in order to support a sustainable economy and quality of life for the community. Energy neutrality means that the amount of energy supplied from renewable resources in the area, is equivalent to, or greater than, the energy demand of the area. Sustainable Clonakilty's area of interest includes Rosscarbery, Rossmore, Ballinascarthy, Timoleague, Courtmacsherry, Butlerstown and their hinterlands out to the coast. The grant will be used to assist in employing specialist consultants to carry out an assessment of the most suitable renewable resources available in our area and how use of these can viably be developed to make the area energy neutral.

Anyone wishing to help the project by supplying brief data on their own household energy consumption (electricity, oil, coal, vehicle miles travelled etc.) can email: sustainableclon@gmail.com or phone Alison on 883 5241.

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin,

PRO,

Sustainable Clonakilty

Cork Branch Wildlife Trust - upcoming events

 

Sunday 9 May : Guided outing to Cape Clear Island. Ferry leaves Baltimore at 11.15 am, returns from Cape at 5,30pm.

Cost (€20  per adult) includes ferry and bird guide on island. Bring walking boots/packed lunch/outdoor wear.

 

Sunday 16 May: National Dawn Chorus Day. Meet at Inchy Bridge on Argideen River (signposted Argideen River Lodges),

near Timoleague at 4.00 am for prompt 4.30 start. Leader David Rees 086 2152590.

 

Sat/Sun 12th and 13th. June.

Weekend Trip to the Saltee Islands and SE Wexford.

Meet at the harbour, Kilmore Quay at 10.am Sat. Booking essential: phone Nick Mitchell 023 8821640.

Deposit required/details from Nick/Members Only.

 

Sunday 20th.June. Marsh Frittillary Butterflies/Orchids/Cuckoos and Skylarks.

An afternoon stroll on the sand dune/saltmarsh syatem at Lissagriffin Lake, Barley Cove , Mizen.

Meet in the carpark at Lissagriffin, 2pm. leaders Sue Cobley and Peter Wolstenholme.

 

Sunday 1st August. Guided Bird Walk at Timoleague. Families and children welcome.

Meet infront of the Abbey at 2pm. leader David Rees.

 

Saturday 28th. August. Sea-watching for Whales and Seabirds at Mizen Head.

Meet at the visitor centre Mizen Vision at 11am. leader Michael Cobley.

 

The hour the Earth went dark!

Thanks for being part of... WWF's Earth Hour

Our night was a huge success - thank you so much!

On Saturday night WWF estimates that over a billion people across the world united in switching off their lights for one hour to show they care about climate change. Earth Hour's success is down to you - individuals and families switching off at home, or companies large and small, local government, schools and community groups. And of course thanks to all WWF's regular supporters and volunteers. The statistics are still coming in, but the latest news is that over 4,000 cities and towns in 126 countries took part in WWF's Earth Hour 2010. Global landmarks switching off included Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Great Pyramids, Rome's Coliseum and Forbidden City in China. In the UK, other landmarks included Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, the National Gallery and National Theatre and Wembley Stadium Arch in London; the Senedd, The Wales Millennium Centre, and Millennium Stadium in Cardiff; Stormont, City Hall and the Wheel in Belfast, Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, Wallace Monument and the Falkirk Wheel, to name just a few. Earth Hour was all about spreading the message that we care about our world, and we received great support from global and UK press, TV, radio and the online community. A big thank-you from everyone at WWF for signing up and taking part in this years' event. It's been an enormous success - just take a look at the highlights, news, photos and film coverage from the night at wwf.org.uk/earthhour. We'll be back in touch shortly after Easter with a full round-up of the event and more news from WWF.

Earth Hour 2010: final update

MEDIA ALERT

 

Earth Hour Update: FINAL

 

As Lights Come Back On, Earth Hour's

Record Action Offers a Beacon of Hope

 

March 28, 2010: Sydney Australia: 19.30 AEST/ 08.30 GMT

 

As the lights of Apia, Samoa were turned on once again at 21.30pm local time (08.30 GMT), the citizens of the world reflected on the planet's largest collective leadership for climate action – Earth Hour 2010.

 

25 and three quarters hours after the first lights were turned off in Chatham Islands, the world has seen the lights go off on heritage sites, ancient and modern marvels, local cafes, schools, royal and presidential palaces, universities and backyard dinner parties.

 

A record 126 countries and territories, over 4,000 cities, towns and municipalities and hundreds of millions of people across the globe took part in delivering a powerful action of hope for a better, healthy planet.

 

Andy Ridley Co-Founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour said, "The response from citizens, businesses and government has been truly phenomenal. Crossing geographic, economic and cultural boundaries, it has brought together people from all over the planet to celebrate the one thing we all share – the place we live."

 

"WWF's Earth Hour, at a personal, local and global level has become a rallying point for those who want action on climate change and are prepared to be part of the solution," Ridley said.

 

WWF-International's Director-General Jim Leape who attended the lights out celebrations at the Forbidden City in China said, ""Tonight, hundreds of millions of people raised their voices by turning out their lights. It is a simple act, but a powerful call to action," Jim Leape said.

 

Around the world, Earth Hour was embraced by all walks of life, transcending race, culture, age and economics as individuals took leadership in their communities in the pursuit of a climate change solution.

 

United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said, "The message of Earth Hour is simple. Climate change is a concern for each of us.  Solutions are within our grasp and are ready to be implemented by individuals, communities, businesses and governments around the globe."

 

Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President and Former Ecuadorian Environment Minister said, "Never doubt that decision makers will be watching what masses of people do in their homes and communities for Earth Hour.  Dealing with climate change is not easy and leaders are themselves looking for leadership on the issue."

 

South African Nobel Peace Prize Winner, The Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, "Earth Hour is an opportunity for every man, woman and child from all corners of the globe to unite and show the world that by working together we can win the battle against global warming."

 

Mrs. Kim Barrow, First Lady of Belize said, "The time to act is now. Tomorrow is way too late. Take responsibility and make your mark. Any other option is unacceptable."

 

Once again, Earth Hour was owned by the people of the planet. In Sydney, a participant at a candle lit dinner said, "(Earth Hour) is a great moment to think about our impact on the environment and our place in making a positive change for our planet.  It is a great way of uniting people to act on climate change."

 

In Cusco, Peru, Earth Hour supporters walked the streets reminding residents to turn out their lights.

 

More than ever before, social media was a powerful force in spreading the message of Earth Hour.  Celebrity tweets included:

 

• Twitter's most popular tweeter, Ashton Kutcher – "Earth Hour is at 8.30.  Let's shut the lights off."
• Demi Moore – "Are your lights off for Earth Hour?"
• Coldplay – "Get out your flashlights for Earth Hour."

 

While Kylie Minogue tweeted a picture of the candle she lit.

 

Impressions online included:

 

• 74.6 million of Earth Hour mentions on Google within 24 hours
• Number 1 worldwide trending topic on Twitter for most of the 24 hours, which never fell below position 7 (at it's peak 2.2 % of all tweets were Earth Hour related)
• Over 1,000 official Earth Hour photos were submitted from around the world

 

As the world once again freely uses its lights, Earth Hour organisers believe that actions of individuals throughout Earth Hour has demonstrated the desire that remains embedded in the hearts and minds of the people of the planet to make a difference in their everyday lives and to make every hour, earth hour.

 

--ends--

 

 

 

Switch off your lights for Earth Hour 2011

Saturday 26 March, 8.30pm-9.30pm

www.earthhour.org 

 

 

Earth Hour Ireland 2010 - March 27th - 8:30pm-9:30pm

EARTH HOUR IRELAND 2010 MARCH 27th 8:30-9:30pm   EARTH HOUR An initiative of the World Wildlife Fund, the inaugural Earth Hour was held in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million Sydneysiders, 2,100 businesses and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge switched off for just one hour to highlight climate change. Last year in 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries across the world– the greatest mass participation event in history took place, when over one billion people took action and switched off. Earth Hour 2010 continues as a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future. Pledge your support here and turn off your lights for one hour, Earth Hour, 8.30pm, Saturday 27th March 2010.   LIGHTS OUT! Ireland was the first European country to take part in Earth Hour. In 2009, as our National landmarks were symbolically plunged into darkness - Eirgrid noted the equivalent of over 700,000 lights being switched off throughout Ireland at a time when the national team was playing a vital world cup qualifying match! This year, we hope to do even better!             TRAD NIGHT BY CANDLELIGHT This year, we would like to mark the occasion a uniquely Irish way with an event which we hope will take off all around the country and become one of the more remarkable events of 2010. Local establishments the length and breadth of the country are invited to join in the celebrations this year. Visit changeblog.ie for more info and to download a poster or register with awareness@environ.ie for full-size (A2) posters and to have your local participating establishment's name listed on our blog. We hope anyone hosting an event (which can be in any location) will send details of what happened to awareness@environ.ie and we will highlight them as best we can on our blog and on our next eZine. The aim is to highlight the past and remember old traditions which seem more valuable now than ever.  To a past when all food was locally produced, when old things were reused and broken things repaired, when people swapped or shared and nothing was wasted - when your local community was your support and your connection to the world. As the world prepares to switch off all non-essential lighting once more, we would like to celebrate the event as only Ireland can, with a.. "Trad Night by Candlelight" "So bring along your Voice. Bring along your Whistle, Guitar, your Pipes or your Fiddle - come along and enjoy the Craic. Absorb the atmosphere of old and look forward to a brighter Future"   TRAD NIGHT LAUNCH - TEMPLE BAR The launch of the Trad Night was held on the 22nd of March in the world-famous "Oliver St John Gogarty's" in Temple Bar. Temple Bar will be hopping on the 27th, with many establishments committed to holding an event. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley T.D. was delighted to kick-off proceedings, noting how the lower lighting complimented the music and ideals of the event - while Kieran Hanrahan, respected musician and host of RTÉ's 'Céilí House' was delighted with the level of support shown by Temple Bar and all establishments, musicians and music-lovers taking part nationally in such an important global event.               MAKE A LANTERN The WWF and the global campaign have created a novel idea for the event this year - the 'Earth Hour Lantern Project'. Have fun designing a unique lantern and send it to your friends to remind them to switch off for Earth Hour. If you have any queries, please contact awareness@environ.ie or call either 053 911 7345 www.panda.org Image ©Andy Davies from original image ©Mark Gunther/WWF Canon

MSc Scholarship in Environmental Chemistry

I would like to advertise an EPA funded MSc research opportunity in Environmental Chemistry entitled 'Chemical analysis of novel contaminants in the Irish aquatic environment and their potential to bioconcentrate and bioaccumulate up the food chain'

The project shall concentrate on using established techniques to measure novel environmental contaminants, particularly pharmaceuticals in the Irish aquatic environment and their bioconcentration ability.

This Masters shall be primarily based in the Irish Separation Science Cluster (ISSC) lab in DCU where the chemical analysis shall be undertaken, but shall be working as part of a team on an EPA funded environmental toxicology project located in the Irish Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ICET) in GMIT, where all in vivo and exposure aspects of the project shall be undertaken. Project supervision shall be from both DCU (Prof Brett Paull) and GMIT (Dr Brian Quinn), with the degree awarded from DCU.

For more information please see www.icet.ie.

Deadlines for submissions on the Regional Planning Guidelines

The deadline for submissions on the Regional Planning Guidelines is as follows:

 

South West Region    12^th May   http://www.swra.ie/index.cfm/page/currentNews/id/1

 

Identifying and Recording Ireland's Biodiversity 2010

To celebrate International Year of Biodiversity 2010 the National Biodiversity Data Centre and its partners is pleased to announce an exciting programme of events for 2010. Identification workshops and study groups will aim to improve identification and field skills of biological groups and raise standards of data collection and management. 

The Centre would like to express its appreciation to workshop leaders and partners who have kindly agreed to co-host events: Burrenbeo, Connemarra National Park, Compass Informatics, Fota Wildlife Park, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Seasearch and Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre.

For further information please download the brochure from our website:

http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/home-page/events-in-2010/

Help required - Cork Branch Irish Wildlife Trust

April 5-11th is Cork Volunteer Week

We have a stall at the  Volunteer Fair in City Hall from Friday 9th to the 11th.
Please could anyone willing to volunteer an hour or whatever is convenient let us know. We would appreciate any help to cover. The days and times are:

Fri. 9th  (4p.m set-up.-9p.m) ,
Sat.10th (10a.m.-4p.m.),
Sun 11th April ( 10a.m.-4p.m. April 2010).

No experience required just willingness to promote wildlife in Cork and to encourage more people to be involved.
Please can you let me know if you are available and if so what times would suit?

Thanks.
Best wishes
Gill corkbranch@iwt.ie

Easter Science at Lifetime Lab

Anyone 4 Science, the educational organisation providing fun, hands-on science and engineering activities for primary school age children is delighted to announce that Lifetime Lab in Cork City will be the home for Cork Science Camps this year.

 

There will be a one day introductory camp during Easter on April1. The topic for this camp will be flight and the children will investigate lighter than air flight, how much lift you get from a helium balloon, The Bernoulli effect and much more. This camp is suitable for children aged 7 – 12 as will run from 10.00am-2.00pm.

 

Lifetime Lab is located in the old Cork City Waterworks buildings on the Lee Road. The site now contains a Visitor Centre with interactive environmental exhibits, a steam centre with the original boilers and huge steam engines that were used to pump water to supply the City of Cork, a schools centre, a coffee dock, a picnic area and a children's playground and is fully wheelchair accessible.

 

For further information, please contact the Lifetime Lab at: 021-4941500 or view the website www.lifetimelab.ie

 

Sustainable forestry talk led by visiting head of Slovenian Forest Service

An excellent opportunity to listen to some leading experts in European Sustainable forestry. Pro Silva Ireland has requested Dr Jurij Diaci, Head of Slovenian Forest Service, to talk to Irish audience about how Slovenia has a thriving economically viable, biodiverse forestry service, that is not reliant on short-term rotations - clear-felling forestry is illegal in Slovenia. Slovenia leads Europe in Sustainable Forestry and chaired global talks on Forestry in Copenhagen at the recent UN talks.

Pro Silva Ireland eNewsletter No. 3, Spring 2010 Pro Silva Ireland Public Lecture by Jurij Diaci (Slovenia), Leading European authority in Close-to-Nature Forest Management Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow Friday 23 April, 7.30 - 8.30 PM Welcome to the Spring Pro Silva eNewsletter for 2010! Pro Silva Ireland is delighted to announce the following lecture to coincide with our Wicklow Open Forest Day. All are welcome to attend. 'Foresters who introduced principles of close-to-nature management centuries ago, when nature was not considered endangered, were indeed farsighted and brave in their pioneering efforts.' So says Dr. Jurij Diaci, Director of the Slovenian Forest Service, in his introduction in the excellent little booklet "Forest Management by Mimicking Nature, - How to conserve forests by using them" published by the Slovenian Forest Service". He goes on to say 'Well preserved and biologically diverse Slovenian forests are the pride of Slovenian forestry as well as a challenge to foresters to continue a good work of their predecessors.' And what predecessors the Slovenian foresters have, including Prof. Dr. Dusan Mlinsek who was a founding member and in many ways the inspiration for Pro Silva Europe, which was founded twenty years ago in Slovenia. It is from this background that Prof. Dr. Jurjj Diaci comes and Pro Silva Ireland are indeed fortunate that Dr. Diaci has accepted our invitation to speak to us on 23rd April, the evening before our forest visit to Cloragh Farm, Co. Wicklow. Dr. Diaci is current Chairman of Pro Silva Slovenia and is Head of Chair for Silviculture for the Slovenian Department for Forestry. He was an adviser for sustainable, close-to-nature forestry for the Ministry for Environment during the Slovenian presidency of the EU and he has recently edited the publication, 'Nature based Forestry in Central Europe - Alternatives to Industrial Forestry and Strict Preservation'. While giving a broad outline of the reasons that Close-to-Nature Silviculture is practiced in all Slovenian forests, Dr. Diaci will concentrate on the Economics of Close-to-Nature forestry. For those interested in learning more about how to sustainably manage forests for profit, this is an essential event. The Parkview Hotel is on the main street in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, which is signposted from and just off the N11. There is no charge for attendance at this event. Pro Silva Ireland Wicklow Field Day Cloragh Farm, Nun's Cross, Ashford, Co. Wicklow Saturday 24 April, 11 am - 4 pm with Dr Jurij Diaci, Director of the Slovenian Forest Service & Prof. Dr. Jurgen Hüss Professor of Silviculture at Uni. of Freiburg Dr Jurij Diaci isDirector of the Slovenian Forest Service, Chairman of Pro Silva Slovenia & Head of Silviculture at the Slovenian Department of Forestry and Prof. Dr. Jurgen Hüss is well known to Irish forestry as an external examiner in UCD and through regular silvicultural assignments in Ireland. He is also co- author of the COFORD publication "Growing Broadleaves: Silvicultural Guidelines for Ash, Sycamore, Wild Cherry, Beech and Oak in Ireland". In Germany, amongst many silvicultural appointments, he was Professor of Silviculture at University of Freiburg. Cloragh Farm Forest Cloragh farm has just under 200 hectares of forestry. There is a large range of forest types, including native woodland in the Devil's Glen National Heritage Area and commercially operated mixed woodlands of Douglas fir, spruce, other broadleaves & conifers. There are also a number of new grant aided plantations. There is a long history of active forest management on the property and the woods are currently being transformed to continuous cover using close to nature management systems. There has been an annual programme of progressive transformative thinnings across the farm over the last approximately 10 years. This transformation is now at a critical stage as natural regeneration starts to occur and must find its way through competing vegetation and past herds of sika and fallow deer. In the meantime the stability and profitability of all stands must be maintained. Directions Cloragh Farm is located near the village of Ashford, just off the N11 in Co. Wicklow. From Ashford Village take the Roundwood road and follow the Pro Silva signs from there. As usual with Pro Silva Ireland field days, a voluntary collection of €20 will be sought from attendees to help cover the cost of our guests from Slovenia & Germany Pro Silva Ireland is very grateful to Geoffrey and Lucy Tottenham and family for hosting us on their farm. Members: Forest Student Competition Prize - Win a Trip to Hungary There is a Pro Silva Ireland sponsored competition for a student to win a trip for upcoming Pro Silva Ireland visit to Hungary. The competition is to enter the best written report of the Wicklow Pro Silva 2010 Forest Open day (see above). Students do not have to be in formal study. Please alert any students or young foresters that you may know.. For more info: please contact Thomas Baker at thomasbaker01@hotmail.co.uk About Pro Silva Ireland Pro Silva Ireland was founded in June 2000. Membership is made up of forest owners, foresters, students and others who wish to practice and learn more about Pro Silva Close to Nature, Continuous Cover forestry practice. Pro Silva Ireland recognises and values the unique history of Irish forestry and its past, current and potential contribution at local, regional and national levels. Members are convinced of the need in Ireland for a greater range of management skills amongst foresters and forest owners. The organisation was founded in order to develop and promote Pro Silva Principles as an alternative to clear felling in Irish forestry. Pro Silva Ireland is a non-profit organisation and is a member of the European umbrella organisation Pro Silva Europe (http://www.prosilvaeurope.org), which was founded in Slovenia in 1989, of which 27 European countries are now members. Pro Silva Ireland is an all-Ireland organisation, embracing membership from both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Pro Silva Ireland is a Registered Charity (Number CHY 16703). Annual membership is €40, with a €10 joining fee (students €10), please see www.prosilvaireland.org/join With over 100 members throughout Ireland, in both the North and South, knowledge and skills about permanent Close to Nature, Continuous Cover forestry management is steadily growing. Pro Silva Ireland organises annually two open Forest days with visiting European Pro Silva foresters, an annual overseas study trip, and produces publications. The Pro Silva Ireland committee decided a quarterly enewsletter will serve to connect and serve the growing membership. Members are also encouraged to join the private members online network http://www.prosilvaireland.ning.com where members can freely connect with others across the country; to share notes, questions, skills/interests, photos, videos; please email to prosilvaireland@gmail.com to join the network. It's a great way to share information and keep in touch with other members across the country. For instance, recent photo's and notes from the Holland and Slovenian trips are on the site, as well as the new PSI publication Members, please also feel welcome to send short news items to Cathy Fitzgerald, Pro Silva Communications Officer at prosilvaireland@gmail.com Contact us Pro Silva Ireland 36 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland Missed a newsletter? See all previous ones. Receive this newsletter as an RSS feed instead. This newsletter was created with Toddle.com. - Simple Email Marketing

The Wheel's Annual Conference 27 May 2010

 
Building a Better Ireland
A National Conference for the Community and Voluntary Sector

The Wheel's annual conference - a focal point for the community and voluntary sector in Ireland - will take place on 27 May, in Croke Park Conference Centre in Dublin. Book now <http://short.ie/9igshn> Come and engage with a host of local and international speakers who will share their expertise on the many challenges currently facing community, voluntary and charitable organisations.  

Come and explore:

The leadership challenges facing our sector
The current funding crisis
The future of active citizenship in Ireland
The role of the sector & civil society
A new framework for partnership working
Charity regulation - the road ahead

Early bird rate available until 31 March
Members of The Wheel 70 euro
Non-Members 120 euro

When: 27 May
Where: Croke Park Conference Centre
Time: 09:00-16:00

Book now <http://short.ie/9igshn>

IAH Annual Conference Tullamore 20th & 21st April 2010

In this 30th Year Anniversary of the Annual IAH Conference, we look at "groundwater in the hydrological cycle - pressures & protection".

The two day event will start by looking into how water recharges our aquifers through thick glacial overburden and then will move on to look at how groundwater flows through the many different rock types that Ireland possesses including karst limestone, poorly productive bedrock and sand and gravel systems. 

The second half of Day 1 will explore how groundwater discharges through surface water systems, groundwater dependent ecosystems and in extreme cases through flooding events.  Finally, Day 1 will draw to a close by looking at the diffuse agricultural and industrial point sources of contamination that can affect this precious resource and the implications of the Environmental Liability Directive for groundwater protection.

Day 2 will start by looking at the new measures that are available to protect groundwater including legal, source protection zones and recent EPA guidance. The conference will close by looking at the impact that climate change is and may have on groundwater resources in Ireland and globally.

Evening entertainment will be provided on the first night of the conference at a local venue and is included in the registration fee.

The conference programme and booking form are available at http://www.iah-ireland.org/current/events.htm.

We look forward to welcoming you to celebrate the 30th Anniversary on 20th and 21st of April 2010! 

BioBlitz - 21 & 22 May, 2010

BioBlitz
21 - 22 May, 2010

BioBlitz is a scientific race against time. The aim of this fun event is to find as many species as possible within a park over a 24 hour period.

Five of Ireland's magnificent state-owned properties are pitted against one another to see which property can find most species.  From soaring eagles to the smallest bugs in the undergrowth, teams of scientists and volunteers will comb the Parks recording what they find.

This is a unique event where scientists, students and the general public can come together and learn how scientists and recorders use their skills to study the wildlife of an area.  It will also introduce the non-specialist to the fabulous wealth of biodiversity that occurs all around us.

The event will commence at 17.00 hrs on 21 May and finish at 17.00 hrs on Biodiversity Day, 22 May 2010.

Advance booking is essential. Please contact the site you wish to visit directly.

Glenveagh National Park - 074 913 7698
Connemara National Park - 095 41054
Wicklow Mountains National Park - 0404 45656
Coole Park - 091 631804
Newbridge Demesne - 01 8905605

Please see our brochure for further information.

http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/home-page/latest-news/

Transition Town Kinsale events

Voices from Copenhagen

First hand accounts from the World Climate Conference last December

Tuesday 16th March

The Carmelite Friary Space, Kinsale

7.30pm

Refreshments provided

 

 

Sow and Grow

Workshops, seed swap, food and information stalls

Saturday 20^th March

Temperance Hall, Kinsale

12 – 5pm

Kinsale Spring Fair

Workshops, eco-market, car boot sale, children's events, crafts, food stalls

Saturday 24th April

10am-5pm

Temperance Hall and various other venues in town

PLUS

Springamagig

Saturday 24th April

7pm

Legendary evening entertainment at Kinsale College Amphitheatre

Turning Policy into Practice: The role of ‘wet feet’ organisations

The Association of Rivers Trusts Spring 2010 Seminar

Hosted by the Ballinderry River Enhancement Association

 

Cookstown, Northern Ireland

Turning Policy into Practice:

The role of 'wet feet' organisations

 

Wednesday 19^th and Thursday 20^th May 2010

A one day seminar and half day field trip (Ballinderry River system)

The Glenavon House Hotel

Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Northern Ireland

 

2010 marks a significant milestone in the management of our freshwater ecosystems. 

After nearly a decade of planning, River Basin Management Plans, developed under the Water Framework Directive, will be put into action for the first time, with the aim of achieving good ecological status by 2015. 

2010 is also the International Year of Biodiversity, challenging us all to reflect on our achievements in protecting biodiversity so far and to focus on what needs to be done in the future.

The seminar will focus on what Rivers Trusts and like-minded organisations are doing to help deliver EU and local objectives for freshwater, its species and habitats; with a special emphasis on the importance of partnership working.

Speakers from across the UK and Ireland will demonstrate the wide and varied work of Rivers Trusts, with a special keynote address from the Northern Ireland Minister for the Environment Mr Edwin Poots MLA.

For an programme, registration or further information email brea@ballinderryriver.org or call Mark Horton on 00 44 (0)28 867 61515

Countryside Bird Survey - volunteers required

There's a stretch in the evenings, the dawn chorus is gaining confidence and any day now the advance parties of Wheatears, Chiffchaffs and Sand Martins will be hitting our shores!

Spring is on the way and the Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) is about to commence its 13th season of early morning bird counts all around Ireland. We are urgently looking for volunteers to help. All that is required is a good working knowledge of our common and widespread birds, by sight and sound. Counts are carried out along two walking routes in a 1km square. This is done just twice between 1st April and 30th June, each visit taking about an hour and a half.

Look up www.birdwatchireland.ie for more information.

Volunteer week

The Cork Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust are participating in Volunteer Week 2010. Volunteer week will take place from the 5th-11th April 2010.  The event is organised by the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Dara Murphy.

The main aim of volunteer week will be:
•   to say thank you to volunteers.
•   to acknowledge the tremendous contribution volunteers make to our
  community.
•   to highlight good volunteering practice .i.e. induction, development
  and training, working contracts.
•   to enable voluntary and community groups the opportunity to recruit a
  new generation of volunteers.

The Cork Branch will be participating in the week on:

Fri. 9th  (4p.m set-up.-9p.m)
Sat.10th (10a.m.-4p.m.)
Sun 11th April (10a.m.-4p.m. April 2010)

We will be running a stall and are looking for volunteers to help on a rota basis. It will involve standing behind the stall and giving the information (on the stall) to anyone who is interested in joining or finding out more about the group. Any small amount of help would be appreciated from an hour upwards. Please if you can help out could you contact Niall on this email giving a contact number and preferred days and times when you could help.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as we rely upon people kindly donating their time in aid of promoting the importance of wildlife.

Thank you. Gill

Online Road Safety Video Teaches Cyclists & Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers How To Share The Road Safely

nline Road Safety Video Teaches Cyclists & Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers How To Share The Road Safely

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in association with the Department of Transport's Smarter Travel initiative, the Irish Road Haulage Association, Cyclist.ie and Dublin City Council, today launched their first ever road safety online video. The aim of the video is to help cyclists and Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers become more aware of each other as they navigate Ireland's busy roads. 

The six 1/2 minute video was produced to provide an educational resource to Goods vehicle drivers and cyclists on how to safely share the road, particularly in urban areas. Research has shown that over the period, 1998 to 2008:

·         144 cyclists were killed on Irish roads.

·         Of these, 33% were involved in a collision with a goods vehicle.

·         30% of the collisions occurred during evening rush hour.

·         The highest number of fatalities occurred in Dublin accounting for 30% of those killed.

Speaking today, Mr. Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport, wholeheartedly welcomed the video, saying it is a  "really useful learning aid for cyclists and HGV drivers alike. We all share our roads, but we can sometimes forget that different types of road users have different characteristics and needs. Cyclists will welcome not only the opportunity to see the challenges that can face HGV drivers in negotiating the urban environment due to the size of their vehicles but also the commonsense safety advice that this video contains. HGV drivers will welcome this reminder of the need to be ultra cautious where there are likely to be cyclists about. And all drivers need to be ever more aware of cyclists as the Government delivers on our policy of securing a fivefold increase in cycling by 2010"

The Minister continued, "This is a very worthwhile initiative led by the Road Safety Authority. But I am particularly heartened by the collaboration that has taken place between the RSA, Cyclist.ie, the Irish Road haulage association, Dublin City Council and my Department in delivering the video. This sort of teamwork convinces me more than ever that Ireland can, and will, work together to deliver not only our cycling targets but a sustainable Smarter Travel future"

The video follows a HGV driver as he travels through Dublin's busy streets, typical of those found in other major cities and large towns in Ireland. It highlights the concerns goods vehicle drivers and in particular HGV drivers have in urban areas in relation to cyclists,  illustrates the vulnerability cyclists may feel when sharing the road with goods vehicles and offers commonsense advice to HGV drivers. It also advises cyclists to be aware of the "blind zone" which prevents HGV drivers of seeing cyclists positioned to the left or close to the front of a HGV.

Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA, said, "We are delighted to launch this viral video as it will aid cyclists and goods vehicle drivers to understand the difficulties they face when interacting with each other on the roads. Through this viral video, we hope to encourage them to work together to make our roads a safer place not only for themselves, but for all road users". 

The film is available to download from YouTube and the following websites, Road Safety Authority, Department of Transport, Dublin City Council, Local Authorities, Irish Road Haulage Association, cycling.ie and all cycling club websites throughout the country. The clip is available to all third level colleges and those who wish may use it on their website.

Please follow the link to download the film clip HGV and Cycling  Safety Video. You can download Pedal Cyclists Road casualites 1998 to 2008, from the RSA website or by Clicking on the link.

 

Ends

For further information, please contact:
The Communications Office, Road Safety Authority – 096 25008

Or

Brian Farrell, Communications manager -086 3881009

 

Notes to Editor:

A Goods vehicle is a road motor vehicle designed, exclusively or primarily, to carry goods. It is a vehicle with passengers accommodation for not more than 8 persons and having a design gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 3,500 kg.

 

 

 

 

Communications Department

Road Safety Authority

Moy Valley Business Park

Primrose Hill

Dublin Road

Ballina

Co. Mayo

(096) 25008