IEN Newsletter 29/9

Quick Links Contact IEN IEN website IEN Members An Taisce Bat Conservation Ireland BirdWatch Ireland CELT Coast Watch Coomhola Salmon Trust Curlew Trust Crann ECO UNESCO Feasta Forest Friends Friends of the Earth Friends of the Irish Environment Global Action Plan, Ireland Gluaiseacht Golden Eagle Trust Grian Hedge Laying Association of Ireland Irish Doctors Environmental Association Irish Natural Forestry Foundation Irish Peatland Conservation Council Irish Seal Sanctuary Irish Seed Saver Association Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Irish Wildlife Trust Just Forests Native Woodland Trust The Organic Centre Sonairte Sustainable Ireland Cooperative Sustainable Projects Ireland VOICE Zero Waste Alliance Ireland Find us on Facebook IEN eNewsbulletin September 29th, 2011    In This Issue "Hogan's law" is the best way to honour John Tyndall IEN welcomes new WEB Biodiversity Officer - Geoff Hamilton An Taisce call for Moratorium on Fracking An Taisce welcomes Minister Shatter's decision on Super-Casinos Best LIFE Environment Projects 2010 Home Energy Scheme proposed for Turf Cutters Sanity in Metro West Decision - An Taisce Just Forests saddened by the loss of Wangari Maathai. Resource efficiency key to steering off ecological default Consultation calls Upcoming Events Dear CEF, 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. "Hogan's law" is the best way to honour John Tyndall John Tyndall Minister can make us as proud of Ireland's climate policy as our climate science.   As Minister for Environment Phil Hogan opened an international conference to honour the pioneering work of Irish scientist John Tyndall, Friends of Earth has called on the Minister to make Ireland as proud of our climate policy as we are of our climate science. 150 years ago this year Carlow-born Tyndall published a landmark paper showing that carbon dioxide and other [...] IEN welcomes new WEB Biodiversity Officer - Geoff Hamilton IEN welcomes Geoff Hamilton, who has recently started work as WEB Biodiveristy Officer. Geoff is a wildlife ecologist with extensive experience in a number of environmental fields, ranging from forest biodiversity to freshwater biology. He has been employed in anumber of environmental roles with various responsibilities, including informing government policy, carrying out ecological impact assessments and coordinating large-scale surveys of Irish wildlife. Geoff has most recently worked for several years in the consultancy sector [...]   An Taisce call for Moratorium on Fracking An Taisce called for a moratorium on 'Fracking' in a presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. At yesterday's Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht Charles Stanley-Smith, Chair of An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland stated "An Taisce is calling for a Ban on 'Fracking' until such time as the People of Ireland can be convinced that it is possible to regulate Fracking, so [...] An Taisce welcomes Minister Shatter's decision on Super-Casinos An Taisce has welcomed the Minster for Justice's statement that future Casino licensing law would not allow for "large resort-style casinos, such as have been proposed by some promoters" Charles Stanley-Smith, Chair of An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland stated "An Taisce is guided by the principles of sustainability and when we talk of sustainability, we include environmental, social and economic sustainability, because the three are irrevocably interlinked.  The Economy resides within Society and [...] Best LIFE Environment Projects 2010 The EU Member States represented on the LIFE Committee and the European Commission's LIFE Unit have announced the Best LIFE Environment Projects 2010. The results of the selection, as approved by the LIFE Committee members in the spring of 2011, are the 13 projects featured in this publication. These projects represent the most recent successful LIFE Environment projects in terms of their contribution to immediate and long-term environmental, economic and social improvements; their degree of [...] Home Energy Scheme proposed for Turf Cutters A scheme has been proposed for turf-cutters that combines compensation due to them with SEAI's Home Energy Scheme. The proposal, which was presented to the Peatlands Council at their last meeting in July, proposes capitalising the €1,000 a year for 15 years currently on offer at €11,600 and combining this with SEAI grants for a total package of €16,000. Proposed by environmental NGO representatives on the Peatlands Council, the groups have also written to the [...] Sanity in Metro West Decision - An Taisce An Taisce has complemented Minister Varadker for putting a stop on the Metro West folly but he must continue and deliver a cost effective transport solution for Dublin. An Taisce wishes to compliment Minister Varadker and the Government on the decision to require the RPA to withdraw the application for Metro West from An Bord Pleanála. Charles Stanley-Smith, Chair of An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland stated "This is a welcome act of sanity [...] Just Forests saddened by the loss of Wangari Maathai As the founder of The Green Belt Movement, Wangari Maathai was a hugely inspirational figure who worked tirelessly for a fairer and greener planet. "As far back as 1990 Just Forests were hugely influenced by the vision and dedication of this African woman who instinctively knew that the global population needed to urgently recognise and appreciate the significance of forests to our survival," according to Tom Roche, founder/coordinator of Just Forests. "Our thoughts are with her [...] Resource efficiency key to steering off ecological default The EEB welcomed the Commission's plans released today aiming to transform the EU economy into a resource-efficient one but warned that unless followed up with effective regulatory instruments, this switch is unlikely to be smooth. According to the EEB, this Communication starts to outline the contours of what an EU policy on natural resources could look like and what it might deliver. However, whether this constitutes a "departure from business as usual" and will lead [...] Consultation calls    Public Consultation on EIA Guidance Document for DAFF EIA (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 Closing Date: 21st October, 2011 Following the introduction of the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011) (SI 456 of 2011), the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has now published, on its website, the draft EIA Guidance document for public consultation. The draft guidance and Regulations can also be accessed via the following link -  http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironment/environmentalimpactassessment/ The Department has commenced a consultation period on this guidance document and comments should be sent by email to peter.cafferkey@agriculture.gov.ie or sent [...]   A National Landscape Strategy for Ireland - Strategy Issues Paper Closing Date: 17th November, 2011 The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has issued A National Landscape Strategy for Ireland - Strategy Issues Paper for Public Consultation, which sets out objectives and principles in the context of a proposed National Landscape Strategy for Ireland. The Strategy Issues Paper has been prepared by an interdepartmental Steering Group chaired by the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Submissions or observations with respect to the Strategy Issues Paper should [...]   Preliminary Flood Risk Asssessment Consultation - OPW Closing Date: CFRAM is Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management. The national CFRAM programme commenced in Ireland in 2011. http://www.cfram.ie/consultation/ The CFRAM Programme is central to the medium to long-term strategy for the reduction and management of flood risk in Ireland. The Programme delivers on core components of the National Flood Policy, adopted in 2004, and on the requirements of the EU 'Floods' Directive. The Irish CFRAM programme is being carried out in parallel with similar programmes across the [...]   Water Supply Project - Dublin Region Closing Date: November 1st The Dublin Region (Water Supply Area) will require a new source of water supply within the next ten years in order to meet projected growth in water demand due to forecast population increases and economic growth. This new source is required in conjunction with maximising supplies from existing sources and optimising water savings through leakage management and conservation activities. The water supply plan and environmental statement are on view at the planning counters of Dublin's [...]   Proposals to identify Substances of Very High Concern: Annex XV reports for commenting by Interested Parties Closing Date: 45 days from the date of publication In the framework of the authorisation process, Member States Competent Authorities or the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), on request of the European Commission, may prepare Annex XV dossiers for the identification of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). SVHC are defined in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 ("the REACH Regulation") and include substances which are: Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic to Reproduction (CMR), meeting the criteria for classification in category 1 or 2 in [...]   EFSA Opens GM Consultation Closing Date: 30th September, 2011 The European Food Safety Association (EFSA) has launched a public consultation on draft guidance for the risk assessment of food and feed derived from genetically modified (GM) animals and related animal health and welfare aspects. EFSA invites stakeholders and all interested parties to comment on its draft guidance through a public consultation available on the EFSA web site until 30 September 2011. In its guidance document, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) outlines specific data [...]   Commission launches consultation on improving EU air quality policy Closing Date: 30th September, 2011 With up to 49% of Europeans living in areas where EU air quality objectives are still not met, air pollution is one of the main environmental worries facing EU citizens. As part of a comprehensive review of Europe's air policies intended to set new long-term objectives beyond 2020, the European Commission is launching a public consultation on its current policy in this area. For the next twelve weeks, views are being sought on the strengths [...]   Public consultation on improving EU air quality policy Closing Date: 30th September 2011 With up to 49% of Europeans living in areas where EU air quality objectives are still not met, air pollution is one of the main environmental worries facing EU citizens. As part of a comprehensive review of Europe's air policies intended to set new long-term objectives beyond 2020, the European Commission is launching a public consultation on its current policy in this area. The public consultation invites all interested parties to share their views on [...]   Towards harmonised environmental information in Europe: have your say on standards that will affect everybody's life Closing Date: 21st October 2011 Brussels, 29 June 2011 - Arranging a cross border emergency rescue, preventing major environmental damage or comparing energy consumption of buildings in different countries will soon be faster and easier thanks to improved data sharing in the EU. With INSPIRE - Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe - the European Union is creating a common standard to make environmental information quickly and easily accessible. This will translate into clear benefits for European citizens, ranging from [...]   Upcoming Events   October 1, 2011 Weekend in the Woods  Wild Mushroom identification  National Biodiversity Data Centre Workshop: Introduction to solitary bees (Waterford)  Wild Mushroom identification  October 5, 2011 Lecture.'Botany in the University of Dublin-Incubation and Emancipation'  October 6, 2011 Energy Ireland: Energy Users Seminar  October 8, 2011 Green Kids  October 16, 2011 Cycle Naas Family & Community Cycle  One day Sphagnum identification course  October 19, 2011 The National Rural Development Conference 2011  October 28, 2011 ECO-UNESCO's Introduction to Sustainable Development (FETAC Accredited Module - L5) Intensive Course  Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Autumn/Winter whale watching weekend  November 8, 2011 ECO-UNESCO's ECO-Community Garden Training  November 11, 2011 The World Congress for Man and Nature “Global Climate Change & Biodiversity Conservation November 12, 2011 Green Kids  November 17, 2011 5th Annual Irish Earth Observation Symposium  November 23, 2011 ECO-UNESCO's Introduction to Environmental Education  November 25, 2011 ECO-UNESCO's Introduction to Sustainable Development (FETAC Accredited Module - L5) Intensive Course  Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Autumn/Winter whale watching weekend    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.

Local Agenda 21 funding for local environmental projects announced

€790,000 will fund small, local projects which will improve environment – Hogan

28/09/11

€395,000 allocated by Dep with matching funding by local authorities.

Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government today, 28 September, announced funding for local environmental initiatives by communities, individuals and non-profit groups and organisations.  The Minister has allocated funding of €395,000 to local authorities to fund projects under the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund 2011. Matching funding by local authorities will bring shared potential partnership funding to €790,000.  The Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level. Eligible projects are those that will support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Air, Water and Sustainable Development.

Announcing the scheme Minister Hogan stated "I am delighted to announce the Local Agenda 21 Partnership Fund for 2011.  This €395,000 Fund provides valuable assistance to local groups. It supports, at the grass roots level, efforts to improve the environment, to make our communities more sustainable and to increase general awareness of environmental issues. Local authorities provide additional funding to the local groups as well as essential support.  The projects also attract funding from businesses and other organisations.  All of this helps to facilitate a partnership approach within local communities."

The LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund has operated since 1997.   A total of 448 projects were funded in 2010; including community gardens and allotments, biodiversity projects, environmental education programmes, waste reduction initiatives, and local environmental planning. Groups seeking funding for eligible projects are invited to make an application to their local authority (application forms are available from the local authorities).

Completed application forms should be returned to the relevant local authority at the latest by 19 October 2011.  Application forms, local authority contacts, and further information on the LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund can be obtained from the Department's website: www.environ.ie

Cork LETS Network - 30th Sept 2011

You are invited to attend a Cork LETS Network this Friday 30th September
at 7.30pm

Location: 'We Made This', South Pres, Evergreen St. Cork :
http://maps.google.ie/maps?hl=en&tab=wl (Google Map location 'A')

+ Feel free to bring anything you wish to trade

Cork Lets are now using the Community Exchange System (CES) to manage
its intenal Accounts, Listings and Communications. Already there are 90+
registered trading accounts .

To explore the system, go to LetsTrade.ie and use the registered Guest
Account login (CORK1111) and Password (CORK1111)

PLEASE SEND THIS INVITE TO ANYONE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED

To register a new Cork LETS account go
to: http://www.community-exchange.org/docs/join2.asp?xid=CORK
( You will be asked for your contact details, but you can hide these
once you're registerd. You must post at least 1 Offer (or up to 3) to
open an account. You can add/edit more Offers /Wants later.

Watch the LetsTrade.ie Introductory Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zK8FLun1vw

We wish to thank all our supporters for their patience while we build
the Cork Lets Network!


Michael
Cork LETS Network
www.LetsTrade.ie
Email: corklets@gmail.com

Environews Now Available On-Line

Environews Now Available On-Line

 

Our latest edition of the Environmental Science Association of Ireland E-Zine Environews is now available. Click on the link below to read more about Environ 2011 and lots more...

 

EuroScience Open Forum comes to Dublin....Environ Student Prize Competition Winners...HERA Paper of the Year....ESAI Photography Competition 2011...Birdwatch Irelands Action Plan for Marine & Sea Cliff Birds...

http://www.esaiweb.org/esai_news.php?id=141

Please feel free to contact the ESAI with further articles / suggestions for Environews,

 

All the best for now,

 

Sinead.

 

Sinead Macken.

ESAI Administrator

 

Tel: 086-8071498

Address: c/o "Stonehaven", Moy Road, Kinvara, Co. Galway

Email: administrator@esaiweb.org

Website: www.esaiweb.org

P Please consider the Environment before printing this email.

Speed Dating for Commuters TONIGHT! 22nd 8pm O'Donovan's

CLONAKILTY CAR POOL PUBLIC MEETING THIS THURSDAY 

LIKE A "SPEED DATING INTRODUCTION FOR COMMUTERS"

The Clonakilty Community Environmental Group, Sustainable Clonakily, has organised a public information meeting on the concept of Car Pooling/Car Sharing for this Thursday evening 22nd September at 8.00pm in O' Donovan's Hotel. The aim is to get like-minded people together and empower those travelling to the same destinations to organise car pooling. In doing so, participants have an option to cut their transport fuel costs, cut their carbon emissions, avoid gridlock, get to know other people in the community and possibly get to work faster.

The Sustainable Clonakilty Transport Group, a sub-committee of the main organisation, has been planning the event for several months, and the aim is to get people into the one room with an open mind, hear how car pooling is already working for some people, as well as giving them an opportunity to raise points of concern.

The meeting aims to identify two distinct groups of people in the Clonakilty general area for whom Car Pooling would be beneficial:-

(1) People living locally who travel to the same local destinations regularly, at similar times. This would include mainly parents taking children to the local Schools, which in Clonakilty is a frustrating time for drivers with daily gridlock on the roads between 8.30 - 9.30pm each morning. Also falling into this bracket are people working in large employments in the town like the local hospital and Technology Park.

The meeting will also discuss the idea of setting up a local mini bus service to ferry large groups from  various pick-up points around town to the schools and workplaces if there is enough interest. 

(2) The second group who may benefit from Car Polling would be people who commute out of Clonakilty to other urban centres like Skibbereen, Bandon and Cork City, and back again around the same times on a regular basis. 

Sustainable Clonakilty is very conscious of the gridlock in and around Clonakilty each day around school delivery and collection times, and believes car pooling and/or a local mini bus service could help improve the quality of life for all involved, and benefit other road users unable to avail of car pooling.

The organisation also believes that it would make a lot no sense if people travelling from Clonakilty to other areas to work were to car share. With petrol over 1.50/litre, it would reduce travel costs, wear and tear on cars and vehicles numbers on the routes involved.

At Thursdays public meeting the pros and cons of Car Pooling will be discussed, with the object at the end of the night of having people who regularly travel the same or similar routes around the same times, getting together, exchanging phone numbers, etc. and going on to try out car pooling/car sharing perhaps on a trial basis at first. "It's a bit like Speed Dating for Commuters!!", said a spokesperson for the organising committee. 

"If it works for people, its a win, win all round, with fuel costs reduced for the participants; reduction of carbon emissions, and reducing gridlock on the roads at particular times of the day".

"In the ideal world, having a dedicated mini-bus service for the Clonakilty town schools, coupled with other parents engaging in car pooling arrangements, would have great potential to lessen traffic on the roads at critical times, lessen frustration and save money for everyone. Mar a dúirt Obama, "Is féidir linn!!"

END

 
Go raibh maith agat,

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin,

P.R.O.,

Sustainable Clonakilty.

086-2202029

See our website: www.sustainableclon.com for up to date information on our activities.

Join our Facebook pages

Sustainable Clonakilty

http://www.facebook.com/sustainable.clonakilty

and

The Transport Group at

http://www.facebook.com/Sustainable.Clon.Transport.Group

--
Go raibh maith agat,

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin,

P.R.O.,

Sustainable Clonakilty.

086-2202029

See our website: www.sustainableclon.com for up to date information on our activities.

Join our Facebook pages

Sustainable Clonakilty

http://www.facebook.com/sustainable.clonakilty

and

The Transport Group at

http://www.facebook.com/Sustainable.Clon.Transport.Group

--

Alison Wickham
Secretary,
Sustainable Clonakilty & Sustclon Ltd
CRO number 463930
Charity No. 18535
Reg Office: 11 Redwood Park
Clonakilty, Co. Cork

E: sustainableclon@gmail.com
Ph 023 883 5241

W: www.sustainableclon.com it's a new one and new logo too!

Winner of the 2010 Tidy Towns National Sustainable Development Award.

Cork Environmental Forum Annual Environmental Awards 2010: 

Winner of Community & Voluntary Category for 2010 Energy Week.

 

Science Week September 2011

21 September 2011 All the latest news from Science Week 2011!   Dear Science Week subscriber, Welcome to the first Science Week eNewsletter for 2011. The Week runs from Sunday 13th - Sunday 20th November. The theme is 'The Chemistry of Life', demonstrating the importance of chemistry to our everyday lives—from the atoms that are the building blocks of nature to the chemistry that creates lasting bonds between people. Check out our fantastic new web video series where the Rubberbandits tell us what chemistry means to them! Don't forget to send this to your friends! In 2011, we will celebrate our rich heritage of chemistry in Ireland throughout the ages and examine the valuable contribution Ireland has made to the scientific world. Chemistry is the fabric of life as we know it and in celebrating the International Year of Chemistry and Science Week 2011, we ask you to consider, what does it mean to you? Find out more about the theme and how you can incorporate it into your own events and activities by visiting the FAQ section.   Resources, Merchandise and Event Submission Resources The resources section has been separated into audience type this year, so you will find resources divided between Primary level, Second level, Event organisers and a Media section. Event Submission We are delighted to invite you now to submit your Science Week events to the event diary. As soon as we have enough events logged, the diary will become available to view online so don't delay! Merchandise Remember, you must register an event if you wish to order free Science Week merchandise. When you have registered your details you will receive an email confirmation with a link through to the merchandise order form. The website will still be open to take event submission details right up to the Week itself, but please note that the deadline for merchandise orders is close of business, 20th October. Merchandise will be delivered to your venue before your event takes place. Remember, even if you are doing something as simple as a class quiz, you can still submit it as an 'invite-only' event and order your Science Week goodies.   Competitions The League of Extraordinary Elements Primary Competition Primary school children are invited to participate in an exciting science-art competition. The competition is designed to introduce primary aged children to the general concepts of the elements, and a first introduction to the periodic table through the superhero 'League of Extraordinary Elements' with characters such as Hydrogen Girl and Carbon Boy. Students are asked to design a new costume for the character they like from the table of six element profiles which are provided in a PDF download available in the Resources section. Science Snaps Photography Competition The Science Snaps photography competition is running again this year in association with Discover Science & Engineering and Tyndall National Institute, UCC. It is open to second level students and the general public with great prizes in three categories including a laptop, cameras and photography courses. Submissions should reflect this year's Science Week theme 'The Chemistry of Life'. Shortlisted images will also form a public exhibition during Science Week 2011 and the winning snaps will be displayed by Bus Eireann on selected commuter routes throughout Ireland. Science Raps Video Challenge for Second Level The Science Raps video challenge competition is also running again this year, with some great prizes! This competition, organised by the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, invites students to compose and video a Rap on this year's Science Week theme: "The Chemistry of Life". Video your own Science Rap, upload on YouTube and send us the link on your completed application form. Closing date for receipt of entries is Tuesday 8th November 2011. Forms will be available on http://apc.ucc.ie as well as full terms and conditions. Check out last year's winning entries on the YouTube Pharmabiotic channel! Help us spread the word! Every year Science Week is growing in popularity with more and more people getting involved. Help us spread the word and connect with us on Twitter and Facebook where we will be running exclusive competitions and giving you the low down on the best events happening during the week. Best of luck with your planning and we look forward to working with you all during this year's Science Week. The Science Week Team / www.ScienceWeek.ie   For any queries on Science Week please contact Donna McCabe or Cathy Foley, at Discover Science and Engineering, Tel: 01 6073042 www.scienceweek.ie