Dec 22, 2010

CORK GIY TALK - 04 Jan 2011: GIY Cork



Sick of Christmas Over-indulging and excesses?
Get down to earth with a bang with a Talk on Horse Manure! Cork GIY (Grow It Yourself) presents Bill Wigham of Gee-Up talking on Horse Manure and its Uses in your Garden
When: 7pm - Tue., January 04th
Where: South Pres., Evergreen St., Cork City
No Entrance Charge - All Welcome!

Visit GIY Cork at:
http://corkfoodweb.ning.com/groups/group/show?id=2430352%3AGroup%3A16905&xg_source=msg_mes_group




Dec 20, 2010

Avoid disposable batteries this Christmas


Avoid disposable batteries

Try to buy products that don't require batteries but rely on renewable energy instead. You can now buy all sorts of wind-up or solar-powered gadgets including radios, torches, calculators, phone chargers, toys and garden lights. If you can't avoid batteries, opt for rechargeable ones - they'll save you money in the long run. You can buy solar powered rechargers if you want to reduce your environmental impact even further.

Best Wishes, Rita @ Friends of the Earth

 

National Heritage Week Update: Ireland's Heritage Sector Decimated by Punitive Cuts


Dear all,

You may be aware that the recent budget saw the Heritage Councils budget reduced by 47% which on top of last year's cut amounts to a total of 77%.

In case there was any doubt in spite of the cuts National Heritage Week will go ahead in 2011 (20th to 28th August) and it's more important than ever that we create as much awareness and education as possible about the benefits of protecting our heritage.  To view the Heritage Councils press release responding to the cuts and to comment on them click on the link below to the Heritage Week Facebook page. All comments are very welcome.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heritage-Week/127378071336

A link to the press  release can also be found on the homepage of the Heritage Councils website www.heritagecouncil.ie


 

National Heritage Week
Become a fan on Facebook / follow us on Twitter 

 

Rebecca Reynolds,

National Heritage Week Project Manager,

The Heritage Council,


 

National Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council with support from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.
 
For further information see http://www.heritageweek.ie  email heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie or CallSave 1850 200878 

 


Dec 15, 2010

IEN Newsletter


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IEN eNewsbulletin
December 15th, 2010

In This Issue
Upcoming ECO-UNESCO training courses and Events
This Friday: Biodiversity Workshop
Biodiversity Showcase launched in European Union House
Bumper Year for Wildlife Numbers at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre
Irish environmental groups call for transparency in allocation of fish quotas
Social Partner calls for forests to remain in public hands
Irish seal Sanctuary proposes new management plan to save Irish Sea.
Planning bill could be bad for Northern Ireland
Win tickets to 'Sound of Wood' Concert.
Guide to online video available to download.
Latest Consultations
Latest Events

Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. Please help strengthen the environmental community in Ireland by submitting articles or notices of events. You can send your contributions to news@ien.ie.
We are aiming to publish this eNewsbulletin every Tuesday. Please send material by Monday for inclusion the following day.

If you wish to unsubscribe please follow the instructions at the bottom of this email.

To read the full articles just click on the links.

 

Upcoming ECO-UNESCO training courses and Events


A) ECO-UNESCO TRAINING COURSES: ECO-UNESCO's Introduction to Sustainable Development (FETAC Accredited Module - L5) 10-Week Course: beginning Thurs 27th January. Click here for further information. ECO-UNESCO's Peer Education and Sustainability Training. 3rd February.Click here for further information. ECO-UNESCO's Leadership and Strategic Sustainable Development. 9th February. Click here for further information. ECO-UNESCO's Introduction to Sustainable Development Intensive Course: [...]

This Friday: Biodiversity Workshop


All are welcome.

With presentations by Dr Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre, Johnny Woodlock, Irish Seal Sanctuary, and Dana Miller, Irish Wildlife Trust. Date: 17th December Time: 11am - 1.45pm Location: European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2  

Agenda

11am - Welcome

11.15am - Presentation on Submitting records to the National Biodiversity Centre - Dr Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre.

11.45 am - Presentation on Key issues of fisheries data - Dana Miller, IWT

12.15 pm - Presentation on Bycatch and Discards in Fishing - Johnny Woodlock, Irish Seal Sanctuary

12.45 pm - Refreshments

.

Biodiversity launch at EU House


Biodiversity Showcase launched in European Union House


As Biodiversity Year comes to a close, national environmental groups have launched a showcase of biodiversity projects and events which took place in 2010, at the European Representation offices in Dublin. "In Biodiversity Year our Celtic tiger was pronounced stone dead," says Karin Dubsky, of Coastwatch, "but what about our real species? For [...]

Bumper Year for Wildlife Numbers at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre


2010 has been a bumper year for wildlife at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, Co. Kildare. The wildlife gardens located at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Co. Kildare are very rich in biodiversity. The Centre's gardens contain breeding newts and frogs. The different flowers such as Buddleia attract many butterflies [...]


Irish environmental groups call for transparency in allocation of fish quotas


Over-fishing is the greatest threat to the health of our oceans and it is well recognised that 70% of Europe's fish stocks are over-fished, while 30% are fished beyond 'safe biological limits' - a euphemism for 'threatened with extinction'. This year the European Commission has proposed quota allocations that are grounded in scientific evidence and [...]

Social Partner calls for forests to remain in public hands


The Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership has warned that Ireland's forests are in danger of being sold off to reduce government debt, and is calling for them to remain in public hands. The group is urging the Government to issue a statement that it will not privatise Irelands forest assets. "A sale of Irish Forests [...]

Irish seal Sanctuary proposes new management plan to save Irish Sea


The Sea Fishery Advisory Group of the Irish Seal Sanctuary has called on the EU not to close Irish fisheries but to assist fishermen to make the switch to selective fishing gear and restore the Irish Sea and Irish waters to a viable mixed stock fishery. EU Commissioner Damanaki has already threatened to close the [...]

Planning bill could be bad for Northern Ireland


It's time for a root and branch rebuilding of the planning system not a rushed through Planning Bill Rushing through the Planning Bill will be bad for Northern Ireland, in the same way as  rushing through planning applications is bad for communities and the environment, Friends of the Earth said today. Friends of the Earth [...]

Wexford Seal Release planned for Saturday


On Saturday, December 18th at 2pm Zeus, a grey seal pup rescued by the Irish Seal Sanctuary, will be returned to the wild from Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford. All are welcome to attend this great family, recession proof, day out! Zeus arrived in mid September from Kilmore Quay where he had been found on [...]

Guide to online video available to download


This free guide includes:
The Wheel has produced a very useful guide to online video.
It includes:

Where to get low cost equipment
Where to get free, easy to use software
How to shoot great video
Getting on the web
Spreading the word

Events Calendar.
All events can be viewed at http://www.ien.ie/ien-events/.

Friday, December 15
Biodiversity Workshop
With presentations by
  • Dr Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre,
  • Johnny Woodlock, Irish Seal Sanctuary, and
     
  • Dana Miller, Irish Wildlife Trust.
     

 Date: 17th December

Time: 11am - 1.45pm

Location: European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2


Agenda

11am - Welcome

11.15am - Presentation on Submitting records to the National Biodiversity Centre - Dr Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre.

11.45 am - Presentation on Key issues of fisheries data - Dana Miller, IWT

12.15 pm - Presentation on Bycatch and Discards in Fishing - Johnny Woodlock, Irish Seal Sanctuary

12.45 pm - Refreshments The presentations will be approximately 20-30 minutes in duration, including time for questions.


More information

Link: http://www.ien.ie/events/biodiversity-workshop/

This E-Newsbulletin is published by the Irish Environmental Network which airms to support information dissemination on the activities of its members.
The views expressed in this E-Newsbulletin are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Irish Environmental Network.
You receive this E-Newsbulletin because you are registered in the mailing list hosted on www.ien.ie.
 




Dec 14, 2010

TT Cork City View & Vent: The End of Suburbia


Heritage Council Press Release


Ireland's Heritage Sector Decimated by Punitive Cuts - Heritage Council warns of job losses and tourism setback

Monday 13th December: Punitive cuts, announced in last Tuesday's Budget, will decimate the heritage sector and close many small enterprises that are dependent on it. This will have detrimental effects on both our national heritage and the quality of our tourism offering, according to the Heritage Council.

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government's Heritage Unit, which has responsibility for protected structures, including world heritage sites, suffered a 77% budget cut. National Parks and Wildlife, whose remit includes the protection of our natural heritage and running all our national parks, suffered a 56% cut. The Heritage Council, whose role is to protect, preserve and enhance Ireland's national heritage, suffered a 47% cut. This is on top of a 30% cut in 2010.

Speaking about the situation, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Michael Starrett commented, "We are extremely concerned about the disproportionate nature of the cuts to the Heritage sector. While the heritage sector recognises that it must share the burden of the cuts required to tackle the country's economic crisis, the cuts announced last Tuesday are completely disproportionate in comparison to other Departmental cuts. As a result, the future of heritage initiatives nationwide which have created hundreds of jobs, empowered local communities and enhanced the value of heritage as a tourism resource, are severely threatened".

"In 2009, over three million overseas visitors engaged in cultural/historical visits while in Ireland, and spent an estimated €1.9 billion while here. In particular, 76% of tourists identified landscape and nature as the primary reason for visiting Ireland, and heritage is what defines the uniqueness of a country. Funding will now no longer be available to protect and manage our iconic buildings, unique and threatened species, landscapes, cultural collections and rare artifacts, or indeed to support local communities in taking care of their everyday heritage".

The majority of counties in Ireland have a County Heritage Plan which is prepared by Local Heritage Fora on behalf of the local people and the Local Authority. Research conducted in September 2010 by economist Jim Power examined the economic value of these County Heritage Plans. The implementation of these plans between 2004 and 2008 at a cost of € 6.15m supported the creation of 1,012 full-time jobs in small businesses across the regions, with an estimated return of €30.1 million to the economy. Between 2004 and 2008, the €6.15m that the Heritage Council invested over 26 local authority areas led to an additional investment of around €10 million from other sources.

Looking at the economic impact of an event such as the Irish Walled Towns Day held in Youghal during National Heritage Week, KPMG analysts found that support of €16,000 to the Irish Walled Towns Network for the day brought a return of €480,000 in to the local economy.

Our shared heritage is the country's inheritance that we only get to borrow for a time, enjoy, and benefit enormously from but we have an obligation as a people to pass it on to future generations, Mr. Starrett said. These punitive cuts put at risk, not just jobs which are critically important, but also vulnerable aspects of the nation's unique natural and cultural heritage which now may be lost for ever to the country.

"At this point, the day to day implications of the cuts are hard to fully estimate. What is clear from the Heritage Council's standing is that we will no longer be in a position to provide support for local community groups, non-governmental organisations, charities, individuals, small businesses, local authorities and others. This will make it extremely difficult for the survival of the wider heritage profession of conservators, thatchers, ecologists, archaeologists, conservation architects, museum curators and other specialist work such as researchers and data collectors.

We cannot talk about the importance of marketing our heritage and promoting tourism if we cut the funding to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to care for our heritage. The reality is that these unique heritage skills may now be lost to the nation along with the heritage assets and memory that these represent. We will all be poorer economically, environmentally and socially as a result", added Mr. Starrett.

Media Queries:
Michelle Guinan, MKC Communications 01 7038604 / 086 3846630
Isabell Smyth, Heritage Council, 0879676889

Note to editor:

  • In 2009 €114,000 was offered to 19 building conservation projects. Each grant required at least as much money again to be expended on the project (50% match funding). This represents a minimum two-times multiplier for the spend from the public purse. These grants resulted in the direct employment of at least 5 people per year.
  • In 2010 a total of €600,000 was spent on conservation works to significant churches and cathedrals of all denominations. This single scheme created direct employment for 16 people.
  • Conservation works to our historic walled town defences (such as in Kilkenny, Cashel, Drogheda, Dublin city, Wexford) ,will be scaled back with the loss of 25 contracting and supervisory jobs.
  • A cessation in grants to historic buildings and thatched houses will see this iconic vernacular architecture put at risk and the loss of highly skilled thatchers.
  • The Irish Strategic Archaeological Research Programme allocated €2 million to advanced collaborative research in 2008-10. External review considered this scheme to be 'a spectacular success and a model for other countries to follow'. This created research posts for 25 young researchers making sense of the vast amounts of archaeological information generated during the recent boom. The survival of this scheme is now questionable.

The Heritage Council is the statutory body charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland's national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Heritage objects, Architectural heritage, Flora, Fauna, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways.

Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland's heritage.



Dec 13, 2010

Tip of the day: Eco-friendly tree decorations

Eco-friendly tree decorations

First, make a stiff dough by mixing plain flour and water with a dash of salt then flatten it with a rolling pin. Next, use cookie cutters or a knife to make festive shapes in the dough - remembering to put a small hole in the top of each for fastening it to the tree. Finally, bake the shapes in the oven until hard, then decorate with non-toxic paints and glitter.

Best Wishes, Rita @ Friends of the Earth

 
 


ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards 2011

NEWS RELEASE

 

December 2010

 

MORE YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS THAN EVER!

Still time to register for ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards 2011

 

The number of groups from around Ireland and Northern Ireland participating in the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards 2011 has increased by an incredible 40% compared with last year. To celebrate this increased interest, and give even more young people the chance to get involved in what is set to be Ireland's biggest ever celebration of ECO-Action, ECO-UNESCO is keeping registration open until December 22nd and groups have until February 25th 2011 to complete their project.

 

The ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards recognise and reward the achievements of young people in environmental protection and are open to any group of young people, aged 10-18, who want to take action on key environmental issues such as climate change, energy, waste, biodiversity, transport and more.

 

"Last year's awards saw some excellent environmental projects - from bug hotels to green transport campaigns, and even an ECO-fashion show and gig awareness raising extravaganza! We are looking forward to more great projects this year.  It's fantastic to see the increased interest from young people from across the island of Ireland and because of this we are delighted to continue to accept registrations until December; there's plenty of time to carry out projects before the project submission deadline of the 25th February 2011"  said Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO.

 

Each May, ECO-UNESCO, Ireland's environmental education and youth organisation, hosts the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards Showcase and Awards Ceremony to honour the outstanding green achievements of young people from youth groups and schools across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The National Showcase, open to the public, attracts hundreds of young people who get an opportunity to show their environmental project work.

 

"The young participants of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards programme concretely show what it means to act as agents of positive change and make a difference", commented Walter Erdelen, UNESCO Assistant Secretary General for Natural Sciences in a special message of support to the young environmentalists.

 

Participants in ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards have until February 2011 to complete their project in one of nine categories including climate change, biodiversity, energy, waste and transport. Once registered, ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards groups can avail of ECO-UNESCO's advice and support as their projects progress.

 

Teachers and youth leaders can register groups of 2-25 young people at www.ecounesco.ie or by contacting ECO-UNESCO at +353 1 6625491, yea@ecounesco.ie.

 

ENDS

 

For further information, please contact:

Daniel Meister, ECO-UNESCO Communications Officer communications@ecounesco.ie

Tel. +353 1 6625491

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO is available for phone interviews on the environmental work of young people in Irish youth groups and schools. It may also be possible to speak with previous winning or shortlisted groups in your area.

 

Notes to Editor:

ABOUT ECO-UNESCO

ECO-UNESCO (www.ecounesco.ie) is Ireland's environmental education and youth organisation. The organisation aims to raise environmental awareness, promote the protection and conservation of the environment, and promote the personal development of young people. ECO-UNESCO is affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA). 

 

ABOUT THE ECO-UNESCO YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST AWARDS

ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards is an awards programme that empowers young people to become better citizens, build awareness of environmental issues and promote simple lifestyle changes to improve the environment. The Young Environmentalist Awards is funded annually by the Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Government; Environment & Heritage Service Northern Ireland - An Agency with the Department of Environment; Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs; Department of Transport, The Environmental Protection Agency; COMHAR Sustainable Development Council; and Dublin City Council.

 

KEY DATES:

Extended Registration Deadline: December 22nd 2010

Project Submission Deadline: February 25th 2011

National Showcase & Awards Ceremony: May 18th 2011

 

For more information on ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards visit www.ecounesco.ie

 

To get a look back at the journey to the ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards 2010, read our On the Road blog at http://ecounesco.wordpress.com

Dec 10, 2010

Irish environmental groups call for transparency in allocation of fish quotas



Press Release 

December 10th 2010

Irish environmental groups call for transparency in allocation of fish quotas

Fisheries Minister Sean Connick and senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be on their way to Brussels this weekend for the annual carve-up of fishing opportunities to take place on December 13/14. Traditionally this involves late-night haggling in a casino-type atmosphere, but for the first time Irish environmental groups, including the Irish Wildlife Trust, Coastwatch and BirdWatch Ireland, will be present at the European Commission buildings to observe these dealings first hand.
 
Over-fishing is the greatest threat to the health of our oceans and it is well recognised that 70% of Europe's fish stocks are over-fished[1], while 30% are fished beyond 'safe biological limits' – a euphemism for 'threatened with extinction'.
 
This year the European Commission has proposed quota allocations that are grounded in scientific evidence and would allow fish stocks to recover – thus providing a sustainable future for fishermen, coastal communities and the environment. However, when Irish environmental groups met with Minister Connick on December 1st they were told that these proposals would be ignored – for reasons that are unclear.
 
Pádraic Fogarty, chairman of the Irish Wildlife Trust says "Its quite simple – if there are no fish, there will be no fishing. Those who represent our country need to start the process of repairing the damage done to our seas if there is to be a viable fish industry for the future. Putting environmental sustainability first is the only way to do this. Our seas are a common resource and not the property of a few."
 
Irish environmental groups have united within the OCEAN2012[2] Europe-wide coalition to call on the Government to:
 
  1. Put the environment first for people's sake
  2. Openly justify why Ireland is deviating from the EC proposals
  3. Be transparent in how the Irish quota is allocated and to give preferential access to those fishermen that are taking steps to minimise their environmental impact.
 
ENDS
 
For further information contact Pádraic Fogarty, Irish Wildlife Trust Chairman, on 087-2959811 or at irishwildlife@iwt.ie
 


[1] EC press release IP/10/1501, 11th November 2010









Horse-powered services for woodland owners

Woodland owners!

The season for woodland work is coming around and you may be thinking about what needs to be done this winter in your plot of trees. Before you start the tractor to get those trees extracted, here's an interesting alternative for you to consider.

We offer woodland and logging services with our two work horses in the area of West Cork.
Whether you need some logs extracted from the depth of your forest or wood moved into the yard, our horse-powered service is a low-impact and efficient alternative to fuel-powered conventional methods.
Our horses can work in areas which would usually be difficult to access with machinery - such as boggy and steep areas, dense forests and small areas with no access to a road or track.

Contact us on 087 9389867 for more details.

Sandra Schmid
www.horsepowerinireland.com

Hedge-laying Demonstration



Irish Natural Forestry Foundation, Manch, Ballineen, Co. Cork

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th December, 2010

Demonstration of traditional hedge-laying will take place from 11am until
4pm.

This would be of interest to those in the farming community engaged in
R.E.P.S.

Please see our web site for further details: click here
<http://inff.ie/index.php?id=23>

Sorry - No dogs allowed.

Dec 7, 2010

Cork City Development Board Directors Report - Nov 2010

Thanks to Phoebe Bright, CEF member representing the Environmental Pillar on the Cork City Development Board.

Here is the November 2010 Directors Report to the Board.

Comhar Local Sustainability Newsletter


Hi everyone,

Here is the December edition of the Local Sustainability Newsletter.
The Newsletter is designed to provide a platform for information sharing
for local authorities and communities on best practice on local
sustainability.

If you have an innovative project happening in your local authority or
community, send the details in to us at niamh.kirwan@environ.ie. It is
also available on our website www.comharsdc.ie.

Please feel free to forward this publication onto interested
colleagues. If you would like to subscribe to the Comhar mailing list
email niamh.kirwan@environ.ie. If you would prefer not receive emails
from Comhar SDC, please let me know and I'll take you off the list.

Comhar SDC have recently started a research project looking at
Community Renewable Energy. The first task in this project is to map
current community energy generation projects in Ireland. The map for
this project (Community Energy Map) will detail community wind
resources, other community based energy generation projects as well as
community energy descent plans and community energy efficiency
initiatives. If you know about a Community Energy Project, please
contact Niamh Kirwan (niamh.kirwan@environ.ie 01 8882734) with the
details. All information is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Niamh


Niamh Kirwan,
Policy Analyst,
Comhar Sustainable Development Council,
Floor 2,
Block 7,
Irish Life Centre,
Lower Abbey Street,
Dublin 1,
Ireland.

niamh.kirwan@environ.ie

Tel: 00 353 87 776 2608
Tel: 00 353 1 888 2734

www.comharsdc.ie

To join the Comhar SDC Mailing list email me on
niamh.kirwan@environ.ie