tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13489610806839049602024-03-19T08:44:14.762+00:00CEF Latest NewsCork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comBlogger956125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-56810952412539314802012-08-07T09:35:00.001+01:002012-08-07T09:35:56.181+01:00EEA seeks members for its Scientific Committee<div class=WordSection1><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid #E9EFCD 1.0pt;padding:0cm 0cm 3.0pt 0cm'><h1><span lang=EN-US>EEA seeks five new members of its Scientific Committee<o:p></o:p></span></h1></div><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><b><span lang=EN-US>The European Environment Agency (EEA) is looking for scientists interested in becoming members of its Scientific Committee. The Scientific Committee supports the EEA by providing independent opinions on the Agency's work programmes, recruitment of scientific staff, and scientific questions from the Management Board or Executive Director.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span lang=EN-US><br><a href="http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/eea-seeks-five-new-members?&utm_campaign=eea-seeks-five-new-members&utm_medium=email&utm_source=EEASubscriptions" title="Read more">Read more ...</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-91237494339732310772012-08-03T12:30:00.001+01:002012-08-03T12:30:37.995+01:00Environmental Pillar expresses "Grave concerns" about Fracking<div class=WordSection1><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>Environmental Pillar expresses "Grave concerns" about Fracking</span></strong><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>The Environmental Pillar has just published its policy on shale gas, calling for cessation of all fracking activities in Ireland. "The known impacts of fracking are so serious that the Government needs to act now to put a stop to all fracking activity in Ireland" said Michael Ewing speaking on behalf of the coalition of 27 national environmental organisations.</span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>"Due to the secrecy surrounding the polluting processes involved - the damage done to communities, water supplies, wildlife, the environment and the long-term economic development of rural Ireland may well be even greater than the dire prospect already presented by the proposed industrialisation and degradation of our environment, across at least 9 counties of Ireland" he continued.</span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>"The Irish Government and the EU must focus their attention on increasing energy efficiency and accelerating the move to renewable energy rather than allowing the development of high risk, inefficient and polluting gas extraction processes that just add to the problem of climate change" he concluded.</span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'>Ends</span><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#333333'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#333333'>The document can be accessed at <br></span><span style='color:#333333'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001k4M3nZcOSUPH_f4M6bKKN3_w9a1r62QxRN2ao058medZkcwnl3zRM_0K7-alu3aSMbKnn857eHBEgdmkIqS8P1kZDasY0UP0eF4vTIs9-Mp0X6CLa279rrTzSpl21cYPGj9MqkyGXwN1WSmu6mYyQsY0d4cJMg9xLLmJtiZEBUgb6SPjJuI2etdpHf_4zfjE93JefbUloxQup1JZYRuOZht_UYloC4CWB9S8zA881Tqp2YuUpsl3LXgNnMNn4K9JjlGMCvbfZ41aMQw8NpTjO9jOWbEUTfEC0bhGVKhHot2qJk-Gkfm0UzD9-YUgXyvlXp_xSaPJ3qphCmIZ64gsW-wTPxB30_kWBpqYBPZRwn0XxNDTTWsLIObzbaQ0HZJOUzOWBXIwSF9_A7d4ZyZuX9nlo73pRU8baiChFyy4kK9lZelQ2wJ1j-MyTCTH_EM4LpIANr5fNBG7ElGLuo1adNCpl7ma24hoVhwYuJ7_qmg=" target="_blank">http://environmentalpillar.ie/files/2012/08/Environmental-Pillar-Policy-on-Shale-Gas1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'>The Environmental Pillar is a national Social Partner established by Government decision in 2009. It is an advocacy coalition of 27 national environmental NGOs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'>Environmental Pillar members:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'>An Taisce, Bat Conservation Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland, CELT - Centre for Ecological Living and Training, Coastwatch, Coomhola Salmon Trust, Crann, ECO UNESCO, Feasta. Forest Friends, Friends of the Earth, Global Action Plan Ireland, Gluaiseacht, Grian, Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, Irish Doctors Environment Association, Irish Natural Forestry Foundation, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Irish Seal Sanctuary, Irish Seed Saver Association,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-family:Times-New-Roman;color:black'>Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Irish Wildlife Trust, The Organic Centre, Sonairte, Sustainable Ireland Cooperative, VOICE, Zero Waste Alliance Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-12600520714458487852012-08-03T12:28:00.000+01:002012-08-03T12:29:04.857+01:00IWT - Cork Branch Newsletter<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>After a short break it's time for another newsletter for the Cork Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust! If you have any ideas, notes, articles or photos of anything wildlife related, particularly in (but not limited to!) the Cork region, please send them on the Linda Dalton at <a href="mailto:lindadalton10@hotmail.com" target="_blank">lindadalton10@hotmail.com</a>. No submission too small or too big! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So if you have anything in relation to branch events you attended, photographs you have taken, issues on the natural environment you would like to comment on, interesting eco-holidays abroad, notifications of upcoming wildlife or associated events in Cork etc. go ahead and get in touch. The newsletter relies on your input and your involvement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please contact me for further information.<br>,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Deadline. September 5th.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><br>Linda<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>REMINDER.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-46388015111274909342012-08-03T09:57:00.001+01:002012-08-03T09:57:52.628+01:00West Cork Campus supports local economy drive<div class=WordSection1><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>It's now time for each and every one of us in West Cork to promote West Cork, shop locally, bank locally, eat West Cork produce, spread the word of the 50+ summer camps on offer, promote West Cork festivals, crafts, art, books, websites, go out of our way to tell visitors about all the wonderful amenities and activities in the region, and entice them to come back again next year. If we don't we will have shop closures, bank closures, school closures, and a general dwindling of the economy. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Please take a few minutes to read all of the summer camps on page 8 of this weeks <em><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>West Cork Local</span></b></em> on <a href="http://www.westcorkcampus.com">www.westcorkcampus.com</a> Yes car driving camp for 10year olds and upwards!, beauty camps, laser combat, chair making, kayaking, crafts, become a junior forest ranger in Ballineen in the wonderful Manch Estate, with it's 25km of forest and riverside walks! It is absolutely incredible what is on offer!! Please tell everyone about it.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>This is how we will kickstart our local economy. Each person is a marketing manager for West Cork.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>And let's get out there ourselves and enjoy all that's on offer as much as we can.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>You will begin to see more and more posters around West Cork saying 'Whats On in West Cork ... <a href="http://www.WestCorkCampus.com">www.WestCorkCampus.com</a> ' There is masses of information about where to eat, sleep. activities, shops, therapists, services and courses. We will be constantly building this information and making it more reader friendly. We need your help .... to add to it by sending information to <a href="mailto:walter@localcampus.com">walter@localcampus.com</a> and then telling everybody you meet about the site and all that is on offer in West Cork. People really do not know what is on offer. It is up to everyone of us to spread the word. and... One for All !!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Let's lift our local economy.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.WestCorkCampus.com">www.WestCorkCampus.com</a> is for you, your family and West Cork.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>best of luck,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><em><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Walter</span></em><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.westcorkcampus.com">www.westcorkcampus.com</a> banking on you!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-74844069045247237882012-08-02T14:35:00.000+01:002012-08-02T14:36:01.514+01:00Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference 29th & 30th September 2012<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='color:#2A2A2A'>The Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Trust is pleased to announce details of its third Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference, to be held in Ashbourne on Saturday and </span><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal'>Sunday the</span></strong><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:maroon'> 29<sup>th</sup> and 30th of September</span></strong><span style='color:#2A2A2A'> 2012. <br><br>This is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in wildlife welfare and/or conservation to learn more about treating wildlife casualties - from bats to badgers, the private lives of hedgehogs, wildlife conservation and legislation, post release monitoring, and the serious issue of wildlife crime.<br><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal'>It</span></strong> is a continuing professional development event that is registered for </span>7.5 – 9.5 CVE CREDITS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#2A2A2A'><br>There are two streams provided in order to provide new topics for previous audiences and basic training for first-time delegates. <br> <br>This year we’ve even more stalls, a selection of superb raffle prizes, and evening talks and walks!.. <br>See: </span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b>www.iwrt.ie /conference</b></span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'> </span></b>for details.<span style='color:#2A2A2A'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-13404264237017654962012-08-01T17:05:00.000+01:002012-08-01T17:06:09.078+01:00Irish Environment August online magazine<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Just to let you know that we have published the August 2012 (35th) issue of <i>irish environment</i>, which includes:<i> </i> .</span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>News</span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>: updated each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday<span style='color:#4F4D4D'> </span></span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Commentary</span></b><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>: Aoife O'Grady, </span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The Future We Want? <span class=apple-style-span>Report from Rio+20</span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Report:</span></b></span><span class=apple-tab-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Should We Starve or Burn: The Heated Competition Between Food Production and GHG Emissions</span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Podcast</span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>:<b><span style='color:#333333'> </span></b></span></span><span class=apple-tab-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#333333'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> Interview with Tim Jackson on Prosperity Without Growth</span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>i<b>ePEDIA</b>: Polluter Pays Principle</span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>YouTube</span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>: How to Feed the World in 2050: actions in a changing climate</span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <b>ieBLOG</b>:</span></span><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> Harvest 2020 - post by John Sweeney, National University of Ireland Maynooth</span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Please pass along this Notice about the magazine to colleagues, friends and others interested in protecting the </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='color:black'>environment.</span></span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyB6r8Es6sR0DAoQCal0uNszBJ-iGpfOHnwo-ct4ZiYxPpd50zaSZdL864Rogic6l0y7_8NzuL9Ha-X6e0H40Qu6kLbDT41-i20Z74GCvM7XGsE206Dr6wkOvZlAtJ-YPSeKv8Dcq0qVx/s1600/image001-769079.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyB6r8Es6sR0DAoQCal0uNszBJ-iGpfOHnwo-ct4ZiYxPpd50zaSZdL864Rogic6l0y7_8NzuL9Ha-X6e0H40Qu6kLbDT41-i20Z74GCvM7XGsE206Dr6wkOvZlAtJ-YPSeKv8Dcq0qVx/s320/image001-769079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771736696134076098" /></a></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='color:black'>:</span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;color:black'>an online magazine covering environmental matters on the island of Ireland</span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-tab-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:TimesNewRomanPSMT;color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='color:black'><a href="http://www.irishenvironment.com/"><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>www.irishenvironment.com</span></a></span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'>Robert Emmet Hernan</span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:36.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'>Blue Stacks Productions Inc.</span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:36.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'>Publisher</span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:36.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-style-span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.5pt;color:black'><a href="mailto:publisher@irishenvironment.com">publisher@irishenvironment.com</a></span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:36.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:36.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-34238356090472802382012-08-01T11:36:00.001+01:002012-08-01T11:36:45.771+01:00CEF opposes GM Potato Trial<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Cork Environmental Forum opposes GM Potato Trail <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cork Environmental Forum<b> </b>is opposed to the<b> </b><span lang=EN-GB>field trials on a genetically modified (GM) potato line to be carried out by Teagasc, Oak Park, Co Carlow, consented to by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>The consent for this trial is contradictory to the concerns of the public with regard to GMOs which has been made very clear both in Ireland and across Europe where there has been a distinct majority preference away from GMO produced foodstuffs and associated crops. <span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The environmental implications regarding the introduction of GMOs into Ireland are well documented. As an island Ireland could and should be kept isolated from potentially dangerous artificially introduced crops.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Genetically modifying food products is deliberately playing with the delicate balance of nature and once the gene is out there, you cannot reverse the effect. There are significant economic implications for Irish farmers and growers whose livelihoods could be adversely affected by the introduction of GMOs. There is also a knock on effect on the purity of other products which will have to be labeled as possibly containing GM such as honey – a bee cannot differentiate between natural plants and GM plants. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The precautionary principal which underpins many European environmental protective measures must be applied to GMOs. <span style='color:black'>In summary our opposition is based upon the following principals, which support sustainable faming in Ireland:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> * Food free from genetic engineering<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> * Farming without genetically modified seeds, crops or feed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> * Farming not controlled by multinational corporations<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> * Diversified agriculture<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> * Profitable family farming, in the first and third worlds, with freedom to use traditional methods. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'> * </span>We support food sovereignty which promotes the right of people to define their own food and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> agriculture, produced in a manner which is safe, healthy and ecologically sustainable. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Due to our history and the famine, blight is an emotive issue, and people are drawn to a quick fix, particularly farmers who are trapped in a highly directed and regularized agri-food system which has reduced their autonomy in the way they produce food. However, there are already potato varieties that are strongly blight resistant and evidence of ecologically sound methods of reducing blight even in conditions such as this wet and humid Summer as outlined by John d'Hondt<a style='mso-endnote-id:edn1' href="#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>[i]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is disappointing that the EPA by consenting to this trial goes against its own commitment of "putting the environment at the centre of our decision making" <a style='mso-endnote-id:edn2' href="#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>[ii]</span></span></span></a> which includes the ecological system and natural biodiversity upon which the reputation of good food production in Ireland has been built. The introduction of engineered and unchartered processes to our food production system can undo this reputation and irreparably damage our "green" image in a sector which is hugely important to the economy, with agriculture responsible for an annual output of €24billion. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Whilst Teagasc are at pains to point out that this is a publically funded trial with no association to the biotech industry. Long term as has been evidenced to date it will be the vested interests who will control and benefit financially from interfering with food production in this manner, not the poor and hungry of the world, who are being disrespected and used in the productivity argument, or the Irish farmers. "The challenge for primary food production worldwide is not just how to increase productivity, but how to do so in ways that ensure more sustainable use of ecological services and natural resources while delivering balanced nutrition to all peoples of the world."<a style='mso-endnote-id:edn3' href="#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title=""><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>[iii]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cork Environmental Forum urges the EPA and Teagasc to reconsider the logic of this retrograde step and to not proceed with this intended trial. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div style='mso-element:endnote-list'><br clear=all><hr align=left size=1 width="33%"><div style='mso-element:endnote' id=edn1><p class=MsoNormal><a style='mso-endnote-id:edn1' href="#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>[i]</span></span></span></a> <i><span style='font-size:9.0pt'>Extract from article by John D'hondt, Biologist-farmer in West Cork Gossip: </span></i><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt'>We have been growing potatoes in West Cork for 25 years without ever spraying anything. Not even copper sulfate. We have not seen blight for the last 22 years. Our system costs nothing and Teagasc seems to be investigating it at the moment to patent it (to get a patent the specific micro-organisms have to be identified and I did not want to spend the next ten years of my life doing that). My idea was that amongst the tens of thousands of different species of micro-organism in healthy soil there should be at least one that competes or eats the watermold Phytophtra infestans. So we mixed potato plant residues, even blighted stuff, with compost or fresh manure straight after harvest and let it do its thing in situ. Eventually we even stepped back from rotation and we have now been growing spuds on the same ground for 18-19 years without a sign of blight or any other disease.Last year, even without a summer, we had our best crop ever. We do not need GM potatoes at all! For reducing rat populations we use diet coke. <br><br><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoEndnoteText><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div style='mso-element:endnote' id=edn2><p class=MsoEndnoteText><a style='mso-endnote-id:edn2' href="#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span lang=EN-US><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>[ii]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang=EN-US> </span>Ireland's Environment An Assessment 2012, Environmental Protection Agency <o:p></o:p></p></div><div style='mso-element:endnote' id=edn3><p class=MsoEndnoteText><a style='mso-endnote-id:edn3' href="#_ednref3" name="_edn3" title=""><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span lang=EN-US><span class=MsoEndnoteReference><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>[iii]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang=EN-US> </span>Environment and Food, C Sage 2012<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoEndnoteText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoEndnoteText><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-52435357478154724052012-07-31T13:13:00.001+01:002012-07-31T13:13:59.303+01:00Eleven Member States exceed air emissions limits under LRTAP Convention<div class=WordSection1><h3 style='line-height:15.0pt'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:13.5pt'>European Environment Agency (EEA)<br><a href="http://www.eea.europa.eu">www.eea.europa.eu</a> <o:p></o:p></span></h3><h1><span lang=EN-US>Eleven Member States exceed air emissions limits under LRTAP Convention<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><b><span lang=EN-US>Emissions of most air pollutants have fallen over the last two decades in Europe. But many Member States have exceeded internationally-agreed pollutant limits set to protect human health and the environment, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Road transport, households, power plants, agricultural activities and certain industry sectors continue to emit significant amounts of air pollution. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:15.0pt'><span lang=EN-US><br><a href="http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/eleven-member-states-exceed-air?&utm_campaign=eleven-member-states-exceed-air&utm_medium=email&utm_source=EEASubscriptions" title="Read more">Read more ...</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-5650956596870637022012-07-31T12:10:00.001+01:002012-07-31T12:10:18.812+01:00IWT Childrens Event this Sunday 5th Aug @ 12pm "What to find on Seashores" & much more.<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222;background:white'>Sunday 5th August: Childrens event led by Lorna O'Mahoney. Childrens event on what to find on seashores. Meet at Roberts Cove at 12 noon. This event is part of Fish month. Please contact <a href="mailto:Corkbranch@gmail.com">Corkbranch@gmail.com</a> to reserve a place. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring waterproof, warm clothing. Duration 1 ½ hours. FREE.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222'>IF ANYONE IS AVAILABLE TO HELP OUT WE NEED AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS. Please contact Katriona. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;background:white'>FUTURE EVENTS: Heritage Week</span></u></b><b><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222'><br></span></u></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;background:white'>18th Aug. Otter Walk. Meet at 4pm in the Vision Centre, South Main St, Cork City</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222'><br><span style='background:white'>18th Aug. Native garden planting. Fitzgerald Park. Jo Goodyear. </span><br><span style='background:white'>19th Aug. Urban trees. Beaumont Quarry. Led by Jo Goodyear. </span><br><span style='background:white'>25th Aug. Bat walk. The Lough. Led by Conor Kelleher. Meet at 8:30 pm at the Lough.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;background:white'>Re events please contact:<span class=apple-converted-space> </span></span><a href="mailto:katriona.wallace@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#1155CC;background:white'>katriona.wallace@gmail.com</span></a><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;background:white'> </span></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;background:white'>or<span class=apple-converted-space> </span></span><a href="mailto:corkbranch@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#1155CC;background:white'>corkbranch@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;background:white'>Also check this out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;background:white'>IWT Gets a mention in the Dail. Check this out </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoLKC6MwqRU" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#1155CC;background:white'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoLKC6MwqRU</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-49599681480312862932012-07-30T09:38:00.001+01:002012-07-30T09:38:48.246+01:00FW: GM Potato Trials to be carried out in Carlow<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>Apologies as there were problems posting notices last week, the glitch has been rectified. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> Bernie Connolly <a href="mailto:[mailto:bernadette@cef.ie]">[mailto:bernadette@cef.ie]</a> <br><b>Sent:</b> 26 July 2012 10:01<br><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:ptreacycef.notices@blogger.com">ptreacycef.notices@blogger.com</a><br><b>Subject:</b> GM Potato Trials to be carried out in Carlow<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today given consent to Teagasc, Oak Park, Co Carlow, to carry out field trials on a genetically modified (GM) potato line with improved resistance to late potato blight. The consent is subject to eight conditions.<i> </i>These Conditions address the following matters:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:Wingdings'>Ø</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span><span lang=EN-GB>The scope of the consent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:Wingdings'>Ø</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span><span lang=EN-GB>The duration, location and area of the field trials<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:Wingdings'>Ø</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span><span lang=EN-GB>The management of the field trials<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:Wingdings'>Ø</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span><span lang=EN-GB>The duty upon the notifier to inform the Agency of new information<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:Wingdings'>Ø</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span><span lang=EN-GB>Requirements in relation to reporting to the Agency<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:Wingdings'>Ø</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span><span lang=EN-GB>The detection method for the identification of the GM potatoes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-family:Wingdings'>Ø</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span><span lang=EN-GB>Sampling the trial site, and charges for carrying out site inspections, auditing and monitoring.</span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Segoe UI","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:35.7pt;text-indent:-17.85pt;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Segoe UI","sans-serif"'> </span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB>The approval for field trials follows a detailed examination and assessment by the EPA of a notification from Teagasc. In assessing the application the EPA has carried out extensive consultations with all appropriate state agencies and government departments including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as well as the National Advisory Committee on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). A total of 83 representations were received from interested parties and these were fully assessed as part of the licensing process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB>The field trials will be carried out at one location at Oak Park, Co Carlow. The duration of the consent is for four years, from 2012 to 2016 (inclusive), with post-trial monitoring continuing until 2020. Planting will not exceed two hectares in area. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB>Under the EPA consent, the trials will be subject to strict conditions with regular monitoring and reporting to the EPA. The trial sites will also be checked for compliance with the licence conditions on a regular basis by the EPA. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB>Teagasc will also be required to submit bimonthly reports to the EPA during the growing season as well as an end of year report. Information about the trials including the results of monitoring will be available to the public at EPA Headquarters in Wexford and on the EPA website (<a href="http://www.epa.ie/">www.epa.ie</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB>A three-month period during which a judicial review can be sought has now commenced. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB>All related documentation is available for download at <a href="http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/licensing/gmo/fieldtrial/">http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/licensing/gmo/fieldtrial/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><b><span lang=EN-GB>Notes to Editors</span></b><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>What are GMO's? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>GMOs are defined as organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, plant and animal cells, plants and animals) that are capable of replication or of transferring genetic material in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination. GMO technology is often called 'modern biotechnology' or 'gene technology', 'recombinant DNA technology' or 'genetic engineering'. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species.</span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Why is late potato blight a focus for study?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Late blight is a very common disease in potatoes grown in Ireland. Many plant pathologists consider it to be the most dangerous potato plant disease in the world because of how rapidly it can spread when conditions are warm and moist, causing devastating losses. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>In recent years, more aggressive potato blight strains have emerged, in particular the sexual form of the fungus which can produce oospores (a type of spore), which can overwinter in the soil and which has the potential to infect potatoes at an early stage (plant emergence). On foot of this, control measures have resulted in potato growers being forced to substantially increase the amount of chemicals to control the disease. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>According to data published by scientists at Teagasc, Oak Park, annual losses due to this fungus in Ireland have been estimated at €15m per annum and the management of this potato disease requires as many as 15 fungicide applications throughout the growing season in order to control crop losses caused by the fungus and to control this plant pathogen.</span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB> </span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>When was the licence application received by EPA?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>A notification seeking consent for the performance of GM potato field trials was received by the EPA on the 27th January 2012 from Teagasc, Oak Park, Co Carlow. </span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'> <b>Who did EPA consult as part of its licence assessment process? <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The EPA's extensive consultation process included: the EPA Advisory Committee on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as consideration of the comments and concerns expressed in the 83 representations received from interested parties. </span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB> </span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>In what way has the GM potato line been modified? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The GM potato line has been transformed with an R or resistance gene along with its native promoter and terminator intact, using GMO technology. The R gene confers the GM potato line with resistance to the late blight fungus (<i>Phytophthora infestans). <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The GM potato line is cisgenic; the R gene was taken from a wild potato species (<i>Solanum venturii</i>) originating in South America and was reinserted into the genome of a potato variety commonly cultivated in the EU (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> cultivar Desiree) i.e. that is to say the R gene was reinserted back into the same species or a phylogenetically closely related species.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cisgenesis is one of the techniques of genetic engineering that is currently being considered for exclusion from the scope of the GMO legislation by the European Commission. </span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB> </span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Why is a field trial important?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The deliberate release of GMOs into the environment for field trial purposes in Ireland and in other EU Member States are mainly carried out for the purposes of study, research, demonstration and development of novel varieties. The behaviour of the GMO in an open environment and its interactions with other organisms and the environment are important aspects to be studied at the field trial stage. In fact, the EU Directive on the deliberate release of GMOs foresees that the field trial stage is a necessary step in the development of new products derived from, or containing GMOs.</span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB> </span><b><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Are field trials with GM potatoes taking place elsewhere?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The field trial will be performed as part of an EU publicly funded 7<sup>th</sup> Framework research programme called AMIGA (Assessing and Monitoring the Impacts of GM plants on Agro-ecosystems). The AMIGA consortium consists of 22 partners representing 15 EU Member States. </span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB> </span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The purpose of the field trial is to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Quantify the impact of GM potato cultivation on bacterial, fungal, nematode and earthworm diversity in the soil, compared to a conventional potato system;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Identify integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and components which could be positively or negatively affected by the adoption of GM late blight resistant potato;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Employ the project's resources as a tool for education and demonstration in order to proactively engage and discuss the issues that most concern stakeholders and the public at large in regards to the cultivation of GM crops in Ireland. </span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB> </span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The same GM potato line, as will be used during the Teagasc field trial, was released in 3 locations in the Netherlands in 2011. During these trials no unforeseen effects as compared to conventional potato varieties were observed according to the Dutch Competent Authority. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>GM potatoes with improved resistance to late blight (similar GMO) are currently being trialled in Belgium (since March 2011) and in the UK (since May 2010). These trials will continue until October 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently considering an application from BASF for a GM potato, resistant to late blight disease for authorisation under Regulation 1829/2003 for GM food and feed. This application is for the import, processing and cultivation of a Phytophthora (late blight) resistant potato within the EU and could have relevance for Irish agriculture. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB> </span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt'><b><span lang=EN-GB>What happens next if the trials are positive?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:11.0pt'>Teagasc have stated that they are not in the business of developing GM crops for commercialisation. </span><span lang=EN-GB>However, if the results of the experimental release are positive, biotech companies may decide to place the GMO potato on the market, i.e. make it available to farmers for cultivation purposes. It is important to point out that the placing on the market of a GMO cannot proceed without the prior approval under the provisions of Part C of Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment or under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on food and feed. If approval is granted under the comitology procedure at EU level, then the GMO may then be placed on the market in the EU for purposes of cultivation, importation, or transformation into different products for food and feed use. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-GB> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><i><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-48324713194135422112012-07-30T09:29:00.001+01:002012-07-30T09:29:33.308+01:00Chair of Friends of the Earth, Nnimmo Bassey, visiting Ireland in August<div class=WordSection1><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>We are very excited and honoured to welcome the Chair of Friends of the Earth International, Nnimmo Bassey as our guest to Ireland this August. While here he will speak at events in Leitrim, Mayo and Dublin. <a href="http://www.rightlivelihood.org/?i=1340893870879930838?id=2118">Nnimmo is an award winning environmental activist</a> and is best known for his organisation's work to prevent and reverse the negative impacts of Shell's activities in Nigeria. Indefatigably, Bassey has stood up against the practices of Shell and other multinationals in his country, often taking great personal risks to protect his environment and community from destruction. He is a truly inspirational activist and we are extremely honoured by his visit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>Nnimmo is here to meet and speak with communities opposing extractive industries in Ireland and share his insights from resisting Shell in Nigeria. Nnimmo will speak at three events during his trip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>On Friday the 17th of August we will be in Manorhamilton,Co. Leitrim at 8pm.</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'> <a href="http://www.eventbrite.ie/event/4000325080?i=1340893870879930838">You can register for this event here.</a> There are proposals to extract shale gas in the area using the dangerous and controversial method of hydraulic fracturing or fracking. Local community groups are opposing these plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>On Sunday the 19th of August we are jointly organising an event with Afri, in Glenamoy, Co Mayo starting at 2pm</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>. <a href="http://www.eventbrite.ie/event/4001526674?i=1340893870879930838">You can register for this event here.</a> This event is entitled "Ar Scáth a Chéile: Sustaining Hope and Humanity". The local campaign has been resisting Shell in Erris for over a decade. In the face of Shell's repression the resistance has sustained powerful hope and humanity. This event will be abou t sharing and celebrating hope.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>On Monday the 20th of August Nnimmo will speak in the Project Arts Centre in Dublin at 7pm.</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'> <a href="http://www.eventbrite.ie/event/4001488560?i=1340893870879930838">Please register for this event, spaces are limited</a> Nnimmo will be joined on the panel by activists from Mayo and Leitrim. The evening will be chaired by our Director Oisín Coghlan and the activists on the panel will share their experiences and reflections of protecting their communities from destruction by multinational energy corporations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>We look forward to seeing you at one of these inspiring events.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#333333'>Your Friends of the Earth Team,<br>Molly, Oisín and JoAnne.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-42880791797796510532012-07-27T09:33:00.000+01:002012-07-30T03:52:40.889+01:00Cork Cycling Festival this weekend events<div class=WordSection1><p>Still some great events on over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://www.corkcyclingfestival.com/whats-on-today-friday-27th-july/" title="FRIDAY 27th July"><strong><span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:white;background:red'>FRIDAY 27th July</span></strong></a><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>10.00-17.00 <span style='color:red'>Countryside Cycle to Crosshaven </span> // Festival HQ, Grand Parade</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p>A tour South-West to the picturesque harbour village of Crosshaven<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>13.00-14.00 <span style='color:red'>An Abhainn sa Chathair</span> // Festival HQ, Grand Parade</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p>A tour as Gaelige of the banks of our own lovely Lee. Your guide is Pádraig Ó Duinnín, host of TG4’s Muintir na Mara and founder of the Meitheal Mara maritime organisation.<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>18.00 <span style='color:red'>Grand Bike Parade </span>// Grand Parade</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p>Whether you cycle for function, fun or fitness this city centre parade is for you. Listen out for music on the move! Wear a costume, ring your bell or customise your bike for the occasion, and enjoy a cruise around Cork’s streets in good company.<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://www.corkcyclingfestival.com/whats-on-today-saturday-28th-july/" title="SATURDAY 28th JULY"><strong><span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:white;background:red'>SATURDAY 28th JULY</span></strong></a><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>13.00 <span style='color:red'>Vintage Velo Run </span>- Festival HQ, Grand Parade</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p>Drag your high nellies out of the turf shed and dust off your tweeds for this jolly good vintage parade around the city. Relive the golden age and chivalry of ‘The Beautiful Machine’. Even if you don’t have skirts, tweeds or nellies come along anyway to join the craic of this rollicking ride!<o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>18.30 <span style='color:red'>Party and BBQ </span> - The Quarter Deck, The Flying Enterprise, Sullivans Quay</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p>Time to take our feet off the pedals. Festival go-ers and participants in the will gather at this iconic pub for food and fun – bicycles welcome! Entry to the party is free, food and drink is on sale.<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://www.corkcyclingfestival.com/whats-on-today-sunday-29th-july/" title="SUNDAY 29th JULY"><strong><span style='font-size:18.0pt;color:white;background:red'>SUNDAY 29th JULY</span></strong></a><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong>12.00-18.00 <span style='color:red'>Bike Fair </span> // Festival HQ, Grand Parade</strong><o:p></o:p></p><p>Market stalls with luscious bikes and cycling accessories || Trike Trials || Bicycle Olympics || Family cycling || Cargo Bike show || Interactive science demo ‘The Beautiful Machine’ || Safety training workshops || Temporary tattoos || Live music || bike-powered refreshments || Bike Portraits<o:p></o:p></p><p>Cork Cycling Festival is entirely free to the public, welcoming all ages and walks of life with a special focus on family-friendly events. The festival is run by a voluntary team who just love bikes as a great way to get about and want to inspire more people to cycle<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-53640704906060221442012-07-17T10:15:00.001+01:002012-07-17T10:16:00.047+01:00Smart Cities Summit in Dublin 25th September 2012<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Topics to be addressed at The 2nd National Smart Cities Summit include:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Achieving smart cities and communities in Ireland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Connected smart cities<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Clean-tech innovation and enterprise<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Case study on Copenhagen’s smart transport policies<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Case study on UCC’s smart building initiatives<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Carbon neutral cities<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Smart and connected urban mobility<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Smart Grids<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Smart Buildings<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Energy Efficiency<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Benchmarking Irish cities against international cities<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'> Who Should Attend? The audience at The 2nd National Smart Cities Summit will include: <o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Senior management from local government sectors such as planning, urban development, infrastructure, ICT & sustainability<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Relevant policy-makers & advisors in national and local government<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>CEOs, CIOs & Heads of Sustainability in key industries such as electricity, water & transport<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Senior decision makers in energy, telecoms and broadband<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Engineering, environmental, economic & management consultants<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Financiers & investors <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.eventznet.com/evx/acs/iquest/smartcities12/">http://www.eventznet.com/evx/acs/iquest/smartcities12/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-60111898805388498612012-07-17T09:17:00.001+01:002012-07-17T09:17:35.198+01:00N28 Public Consultation<div class=WordSection1><h1 style='background:white'><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>N28 Sustainable Travel Strategy - Public Consultation - On-line Questionnaire<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.corkcoco.ie/co/web/Cork%2520County%2520Council/Departments/Corporate%2520Affairs/Media%2520Releases?did=124118439">http://www.corkcoco.ie/co/web//Cork%2520County%2520Council/Departments/Corporate%2520Affairs/Media%2520Releases?did=124118439</a> <br>Gavin Daly<br>Mobile: +353 (0)87 6634907<br>skype: contactgavindaly <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-63906415881457484592012-07-12T10:02:00.001+01:002012-07-12T10:02:39.586+01:002 x Major Events in Schull this week - Wednesday 4pm, Friday 7.30pm<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'>BOOK LAUNCH </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'>Peak Oil Personalities</span></i><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>‘Creatures of Serendipity’ launch their interactive Book app for iPad ‘Nearly There’ at Grove House, Schull, West Cork this Wednesday at 4pm.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSWcjkDY90" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSWcjkDY90">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSWcjkDY90</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qytlY58LP9g&list=UUn11HFz5JJErcSIGMuBUqFw&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qytlY58LP9g&list=UUn11HFz5JJErcSIGMuBUqFw&index=1&feature=plcp">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qytlY58LP9g&list=UUn11HFz5JJErcSIGMuBUqFw&index=1&feature=plcp</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EovaVn3J8is" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EovaVn3J8is">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EovaVn3J8is</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>With its exquisite drawings, catchy tune, exciting, and innovative narration, <b><i>‘Nearly There’</i></b> takes you on an unforgettable journey. This is a story for the child in all of us, in traditional print form with CD and as an amazing interactive book app for iPad. <b><i>‘Nearly There’</i></b> will be launched at 4pm on Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> July at Grove House, Schull. The two main characters, Budley and Bishop (horses) will be there along with the authors, (Johanna Connor and Gabrielle Byrne), Brian Lalor, (Editor of The Encyclopedia of Ireland) and Special guests Colin Vearncombe, Maurice Seezer and Fergus O’Farrell will narrate the story to music.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'>Edited by Colin Campbell</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'>At Whyte Books, the bookshop in Schull,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'>7:30 pm</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'>Friday the 13th of July</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#32210A'>Come and celebrate the release of a new book by one of the world's most prominent heroes of the Peak Oil movement, mentor to many and a man we of West Cork should be proud to call a local. Colin Campbell is a retired oil engineer with over 40 years in the oil industry and a wealth of experience on the international lecture circuit. He is the founder of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas, and features in several acclaimed documentaries on the subject. His new book, a collection of biographical essays by some of the most famous exponents of Peak Oil, serves as both a clarion call to sustainability and a broad and balanced analysis of the evolving crisis. Also present at the launch will be Chris Sanders who is an expert on the geopolitics of energy due to his insider knowledge of investment banking, and Jeremy Gilbert; petrochemical engineer. They too, are proponents of the Peak Oil movement, lecture internationally, and feature in Colin's <i>Peak Oil Personalities</i>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-25834004399714742002012-07-10T14:48:00.001+01:002012-07-10T14:48:52.088+01:00Cork Cycling Festival 21st -29th July - FREE<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.corkcyclingfestival.com">www.corkcyclingfestival.com</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Media contact: Nicki ffrench Davis 087 3900267<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Media email: <a href="mailto:nickiffrench@gmail.com">nickiffrench@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt'>Cork's biggest 100% free festival coming soon!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The fifth Cork Cycling Festival which runs from <b>21-29<sup>th</sup> July</b> is gearing up for another nine days full of reasons to get out on a bike. This year's festival promises to be <b>more visible than ever</b>, with lots of day-time events, including themed city cycles and countryside tours, a shop-front art trail, a Bike Fair and three parades. <b>Every event in the festival is free to attend – just bring your wheels!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Themed cycles around the city</b> include: An Abhainn sa Chaithair, a tour <i>as Gaelige</i> guided by Pádraig Ó Duinnín of TG4's Muintir na Mara; a tour of Cork's street signage led by author Tom Spalding; Histories and Memories of the Lee Valley by historian and city councillor Kieran McCarthy; and a mystery tour of Hidden Cork by architect Adam D'Arcy. There will also be a Community Gardens cycle to visit a number of gardens and sample the produce and a cycle to the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind centre.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you're up for a challenge and want to <b>explore some of Cork's beautiful countryside</b>, check out some of our touring cycles. Expect castles, harbours, riversides and hidden waterfalls. While some cycling experience and moderate fitness is required our patient stewards will make sure everyone has a pleasant experience and we can take our time.<i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Century Schoolbook","serif";color:#FFFFFE'>.</span></i> Enjoy the rich landscape with five cycles in total visiting Dungourney, Barryscourt Castle & Cobh, Mullinhassig, Blarney, and Crosshaven.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is an <b>emphasis on family cycling solutions</b> this year, with Astrid Fitzpatrick of Dutch Cargo Bikes travelling to Cork to showcase the kind of practical solutions that are a way of life in Copenhagen and Amsterdam. <b>Families are welcome at all events</b> and are the stars of the <b>Kid luv Bikes exhibition in Cork City Library</b>. This year also sees the first <b>Bike Shorts competition</b> <b>for young film-makers</b>, whose work will also be showcased at Cork City Library. Both these competitions are run in collaboration with Cork City Council's SMILES project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Three bicycle parades</b> will enliven the city with everyone invited to come and take part. The first will be the <b>Cycle of Lights</b>, it's an evening parade and an opportunity to decorate your bike for night-time that will take in Blackrock Castle Observatory for some stargazing. The <b>Grand Bicycle Parade</b> is an 'anything goes' evening parade through the city centre with music and costumes. The <b>Vintage Velo Run</b> invites Cork to drag your high nellies out of the turf shed and dust off your tweeds for a jolly good vintage parade around the city. Even if you don't have skirts, tweeds or nellies come along anyway to join the craic of this rollicking ride, with music from DJ Gary Baus!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2012 sees the annual festival art exhibition move onto the streets for the first time ever. <b>Gallery on the Go is Cork's first ever shop front cycle art exhibition</b> with a number of artists installing bike-themed art in shop fronts around the city. The exhibition aims to ensure a festival presence throughout the city while anyone who wants to view the whole exhibition can do so easily from the comfort of two wheels. Viewers can cast their vote for their favourite artists and the winning artist will win a €300 voucher for Kilgrews Cycle Shop.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:24.0pt;text-autospace:none'>The final event in this year's festival is a <b>Bike Fair</b> which will take place on the Grand Parade on Sunday 29<sup>th</sup> July. The final festival day will include plenty of attractions, including market stalls with luscious bikes and cycling accessories; Trike Trials for smallies and Bicycle Olympics for young and old; Family cycling solutions demo and advice; Cargo Bike show, Interactive science demo 'The Beautiful Machine'; Safety training workshops; and Live music and bike-powered refreshments. Photographer extraordinaire Marcin Lewandowski will be making complimentary Bike Portraits of visitors and their bikes at a pop-up photography studio.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To keep hungry cyclists fuelled festival-goers can avail of a special discount on<b> packed picnic lunches</b> from Natural Foods bakery on Paul Street and Blackrock and available options will be published on the festival website and can be ordered by phone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year's Cork World Naked Bike Ride has been planned to coincide with the festival once again, on Saturday 28<sup>th</sup> July. It will include a brave world record attempt for the most body painted people ever, the current record was set in New York in 2007 at 264 people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>See <span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.corkcyclingfestival.com"><span lang=EN-IE>www.corkcyclingfestival.com</span></a></span> for more<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>[ENDS]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>LISTINGS INFORMATION BELOW!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But first…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Ppsssst! Did you know?<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>The average person will <b>lose 13lbs in their first year</b> of cycling to work!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Scientists at Stanford University have found that cycling regularly can protect your skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation and <b>reduce the signs of ageing</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Studies have proved bikes are <b>50% faster than cars </b>during rush hour!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Researchers from Illinois University found that a five percent improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness from cycling led to <b>an improvement of up to 15 percent in mental tests</b>. That's because cycling helps build new brain cells in the hippocampus – the region responsible for memory, which deteriorates from the age of 30.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>20 bikes can be parked in the same space as 1 car</b>!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>30 minutes daily cycling <b>saves hundreds of euro</b> on medical costs annually!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Cycling just 20 miles a week <b>reduces your risk of heart disease to less than half</b> that of those who take no exercise, it says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>The <b>happiest cities worldwide all have a high number of cyclists</b> according to John Helliwell, a renowned happiness expert and economist at University of British Columbia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:14.2pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>LISTINGS INFO<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>ReDiscover your city...<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Guide Dogs Cycle: Mon 23 July,17:30-20:30, Start @ GrandParade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Histories & Memories of the Lee Valley: Tues 24 July,13:00-14:30, Start @ Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Community Gardens Cycle: Tues 24 July,18:00, Start @ GrandParade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Hidden Cork Wed 25 July,13:00-14:00, Start @ GrandParade <br>Evening City tour: Cork's Signage Wed 25,18:00, Start @ GrandParade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>An Oige Cycles Thurs 26 July,19:00, Start @ Cork Opera House <br>An Abhainn Sa Chathair Fri 27 July,13:00-14:00,Grand Parade <br><br><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Special Events<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Festival Opening: Sat 21 July, 13:00, Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Bike maintenance workshop: Sat 21 July, 14:00-16:00, Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Cycle of Lights: Sat 21 July, 20:00-Late, Start @ Grand Parade<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Gallery on the go! Guided tour Sun 22 July, 13:00-15:00, Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Grand Bike Parade: Fri 27 July,18:00, Start @ Grand Parade<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Vintage Velo Run: Sat 28 July,13:00, Start @ Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Cork World Naked Bike Ride: Sat 28 July, 15:00-17:00, Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Bike Party and BBQ: Sat 28 July, 18:30, The Flying Enterprise , Sullivans Quay <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Bike Fair: Sun 29 July, 12:00-18:00, Grand Parade<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Touring Cycles<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Barryscourt & Cobh touring cycle: Mon 23 July, 10:00-17:00, Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>East cork longer touring cycle: Tues 24 July, 10:00-19:00, Grand Parade<span style='font-size:5.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#FFFFFE'> <span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mullinhassig touring cycle: Wed 25 July, 10:00-17:00, Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blarney Short touring cycle: Thurs 26 July, 13:00-17:00, Grand Parade <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Crosshaven countryside cycle: Fri 27 July, 10:00-17:00, Grand Parade<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-45686787057303151162012-07-09T12:39:00.001+01:002012-07-09T12:39:54.115+01:00Charles Eisenstein & Mark Boyle present economic alternatives in Cork & Dublin<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>Dear friend,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>It's with delight that we invite you to a couple of exciting crowd-funded events taking place in Cork (in the Camden Palace Arts Centre at <b>6.30pm</b> on Monday, the <b>23rd of July</b>) and Dublin (outdoors in Dartmouth Square at <b>6pm </b>on Wednesday, <b>the 25th</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>Charles Eisenstein</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'> (author of the inspiring works <i>The Ascent of Humanity </i>and, most recently, <i>Sacred Economics</i>) is coming to Ireland for two speaking dates and will be accompanied by Ireland's own <b>Mark Boyle</b> (author of <i>The Moneyless Man: A Year of Freeconomic Living</i>)<b>, </b>who famously lived without money for over two years. Mark is also the founder of The Freeconomy Community, which consists of over 25,000 people worldwide sharing skills and tools on a money-less basis. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>Specifically, these events will focus on debates around truly radical economic alternatives which, in a time of crisis such as that which Ireland is currently undergoing, suddenly enter the realm of possibility.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>Charles, who is on the faculty of Goddard College, will be coming to Ireland after giving a course at Schumacher College in Totnes entitled "Ecology, Scarcity and the Gift Economy". His most recent book, <i>Sacred Economics,</i> traces the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation and competition, destroying community and the environment simultaneously. Today, he posits, these trends have reached their extreme - but in the wake of collapse, we may find great opportunity to transition to a more connected, ecological, and sustainable way of being.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEZkQv25uEs" target="_blank"><span style='color:#1155CC'>This video</span></a> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEZkQv25uEs" target="_blank"><span style='color:#1155CC'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEZkQv25uEs</span></a>) serves as a good introduction to Charles' thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>We hope to see you there, and please pass this on to anyone who you feel may be interested!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>Facebook events for Cork and Dublin:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/260813654018944/" target="_blank"><span style='color:#1155CC'>https://www.facebook.com/events/260813654018944/</span></a> - Cork<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/293950454034208/" target="_blank"><span style='color:#1155CC'>https://www.facebook.com/events/293950454034208/</span></a> - Dublin<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-6799685190994481772012-07-09T11:37:00.000+01:002012-07-09T11:38:05.764+01:00Convergence - Projects and Initiatives that Inspire<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>I need your help to find the projects and initiatives that might inspire us to do things in a more collaborative and sustainable way. As part of the process of this years Convergence, we are collecting these ideas through our new website <a href="http://convergence.cultivate.ie/">http://convergence.cultivate.ie/</a> and are about to launch an online gallery to illuminate them. Please let me know of any projects or community initiatives near you. Or you can submit a 'Breakthrough Idea for the Future We Want to the online gallery at <a href="http://convergence.cultivate.ie/submit-your-idea/">http://convergence.cultivate.ie/submit-your-idea/</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>With your help we want to design and build an interactive exhibition of these inspirational projects and initiatives and take it on tour to communities and public places around Ireland. With no funding available, and I've tried everywhere, we are asking the community to help support us through crowd funding. Have a look at our Fund It campaign and please consider supporting this project in some way. There are some great rewards available if thats something you need. </span></span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.fundit.ie/project/convergence-2012---an-exhibition">http://www.fundit.ie/project/convergence-2012---an-exhibition</a> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>We are also asking people to consider hosting conversations in your community about "The Future We Want". To make this easy Cultivate have prepared a little video and PDF with some suggestions on how to do this. <a href="http://convergence.cultivate.ie/host-it-yourself/">http://convergence.cultivate.ie/host-it-yourself/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>Finally a couple of events are coming up that I want to let you know about.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>First a weekend that Chris Chapman, Eimear McNally and I are hosting in Cloughjordan, which we are offering almost free of charge, called the Nourishment Lab.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/308510195908722/">http://www.facebook.com/events/308510195908722/</a> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>And later this month Charles Eisenstein, author of Sacred Economics and the Ascent of Humanity will give free talks in Cork and in beautiful Dartmouth Square, Dublin. He will be joined by Mark the "moneyless man" Boyle and other Irish friends interested in economics and sustainability. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/293950454034208/">http://www.facebook.com/events/293950454034208/</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>I hope to see you at one of these events, hear about the projects you think are breaking through or working with you to host a conversation and bring the exhibition to your locality.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>Thanks</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"'>Davie </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Davie Philip<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:13.5pt'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Convergence Director</span></b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><br>Community Resilience Programme <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Cultivate Living & Learning <br>An Cosán Cúil, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>63 Mount Street, Dublin 2<br>E-mail: <a href="mailto:davie@cultivate.ie">davie@cultivate.ie</a> <br>Skype: sustdavie<br>Twitter: @comresie<br>Office: 0505 56061<br>Mobile: +353 (0) 87 6340697<br>Web: <a href="http://www.cultivate.ie">www.cultivate.ie</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-19565609032432846592012-07-09T09:43:00.001+01:002012-07-09T09:43:19.965+01:00Natural Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Survey<div class=WordSection1><p><strong><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>NEES Project opens Call for Best Practices in Natural Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>The Natural Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (NEES) Project is launching an open Call for producers, manufacturers and service providers to complete a Survey of their products and services that enhance energy efficiency in buildings. The Survey should be completed online, on the NEES web site (<a href="http://d.uh3.mailsomemail.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1338388345759&StID=2447&SID=0&NID=826849&EmID=2046699&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5uZWVzb25saW5lLm9yZy8%3D&token=5eb151236857e44446b94ae66c8f0a25041312e0">www.neesonline.org</a>) under the section headed "Survey".<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>Submission are sought from enterprises producing or installing locally produced ‘natural’ products, or providing services that improve the energy efficiency of new and existing domestic buildings. The term “natural” covers both renewable and recycled materials, such as timber from renewable forests, hemp and lime, straw bales and recycled paper. The eligible services span a wide range, stretching from timber-frame and bioclimatic design, to energy and sustainability assessments, and training that encourages change in local behaviour.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>The 1<sup>st</sup> Call is open, on-line, from June 1<sup>st</sup> to July 31<sup>st </sup>of this year.</span></strong><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'> Online submissions are invited from all product growers, producers and manufacturers, and from service providers that work with these products. Enterprises or practises must be based or have significant operations the Northern Periphery Programme area. This Programme area includes the west coast of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Northern part of Scandinavia and Greenland. (A map of the Region and full details on eligibility can be found on the NEES website under the heading "About NEES". <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>Submissions are made by completing a simple on-line “pre-qualification questionnaire” which will establish the eligibility of the enterprise. Eligible applicants will then be asked to complete a more detailed Full Questionnaire. The results will be analysed and evaluated by an Expert Panel made up of recognised experts from the different partner regions, who will determine on the basis of an agreed criteria, which ones constitute Best Practise. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>The Partnership will then select a number of products and services to use as Case Studies in the development of the Project. A range of supporting materials, training packages and marketing initiatives will be developed with selected enterprises, and they will be promoted throughout the NPP region and Europe. The Project intends to have two further Calls for Best Practices in 2013 and in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>The NEES project was first conceived at the Cork Centre for Architectural Education: an architectural school and research centre formed by University College Cork and the Cork Institute of Technology.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style='margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>Please pass this message on to anyone you know who might be interested and for further information, visit our website:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style='margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>http://<a href="http://d.uh3.mailsomemail.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1338388345759&StID=2447&SID=0&NID=826849&EmID=2046699&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5uZWVzb25saW5lLm9yZy8%3D&token=5eb151236857e44446b94ae66c8f0a25041312e0">www.neesonline.org</a> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:black'>For more information </span></strong><b><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:black'><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif"'>contact:</span></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Jose Ospina, </span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Project Manager, </span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>NEES Project, </span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Tel (+353) 28 21890 </span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Mobile (+353) 86 8224429</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><a href="mailto:jose.ospina@neesonline.org"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>jose.ospina@neesonline.org</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-23467823987317551422012-07-04T12:31:00.001+01:002012-07-04T12:31:17.708+01:00Public Consultation on Producer Responsibility Initiative<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced the commencement of a review and public consultation of the Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) model in Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'> Minister Hogan said, “I am delighted to announce that my Department has commenced a review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative Model in Ireland. The overall aim of the review is to assess the nature and level of the challenges which are currently facing the existing PRIs and to prepare these schemes to meet our future domestic and EU recycling targets.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>In relation to the public consultation, the Minister stated, “I hope this public consultation will allow the general public an opportunity to input their views on a whole range of important issues across the waste streams”. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>Finally, the Minister commented that, “It is anticipated that the findings and recommendations from the review will form the basis for the further development of robust producer responsibility initiatives that will enable Ireland to operate successfully in meeting our domestic and EU environmental obligations in the medium to long term”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>The public consultation phase will run until Wednesday 25<sup>th</sup> July next and further information is available at <a href="http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Waste/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,30640,en.doc" title="Root%20%BB%20Website%20%BB%20Home%20%BB%20Environment%20%BB%20Waste%20%BB%20Publications%20Documents%3A%20Review%20Of%20The%20Producer%20Responsibility%20Initiative%20Model%20In%20Ireland">www.environ.ie</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'> <b>Note for Editors.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'> The <i>polluter pays</i> principle<i> </i>is a fundamental principle of environmental protection. It suggests that waste generators should pay the full costs of waste management services provided including collection, treatment and disposal. Responsibility for the costs of waste management focuses attention on the implications of waste generation and also provides a direct economic incentive for waste prevention. The Waste Management Act, 1996 established a legislative basis for PRIs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'>The principal PRIs are in the areas of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), batteries, packaging, end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), tyres and farm plastics. The majority of these PRI schemes have operated very successfully and have enabled Ireland to reach its domestic and EU recycling targets. They have also successfully contributed to Ireland meeting its overall environmental goals and have diverted substantial amounts of waste from landfill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-80026934323785799552012-07-04T12:23:00.001+01:002012-07-04T12:23:43.462+01:00irish Environmental Network - Job Vacancy<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4dqdu1xKH8/T_Qnv88UvYI/AAAAAAAABzU/QjJaz3GGBpw/s1600/image001-723463.png"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4dqdu1xKH8/T_Qnv88UvYI/AAAAAAAABzU/QjJaz3GGBpw/s320/image001-723463.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5761273528080186754" /></a></span><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><span lang=EN-GB> Communications Officer – Full-time<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN-GB>Location</span></b><span lang=EN-GB>: The Macro Building, 1 Green St, Dublin 7 <br><b>Deadline</b>: 5.00pm 16 Jul 2012 <br><b>Company</b>: Irish Environmental Network (IEN)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN-GB>Contract</span></b><span lang=EN-GB>: One year renewable contract.<br>This is a full-time role - Salary will be reflective of the level of experience<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN-GB>Purpose</span></b><span lang=EN-GB>: Support the Irish Environmental Network’s objectives through the management and implementation of the agreed communications’ plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span lang=EN-GB>Key Tasks<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Implement the IEN communications plan and to further the objectives of IEN and its member organisations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0cm' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>Web</b>: Writing and editing for websites - Creating content on websites<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>HTML, CSS - Website maintenance<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Graphics creation, video editing, video shooting, photography<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>PR</b>: <i>Media relations, writing press releases</i><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>Print</b>: <i>Designing leaflets, flyers, posters, etc</i><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>Event</b>: <i>Coordinate and organise events,</i> <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>IT support:</b> <i>Email list management</i><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>General Computer knowledge</b>: MS Office suite<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b>Programs/Software:</b> <i>Adobe Photoshop; Wordpress; Adobe Illustrator; InDesign; Microsoft Office Adobe Acrobat Acrobat; Audacity; Joomla; Google Analytics; Adsense; Adwords; Facebook; Twitter</i><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b><span lang=EN-GB>Management of media relationships.</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><b><span lang=EN-GB>Fundraising</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></li></ul><h2><span lang=EN-GB>Person/Skills Profile: <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN-GB>Essential<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0cm' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-GB>Qualification in Communications/PR, and/or equivalent qualification & relevant experience.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-GB>Experience in a Communications Officer/Manager role is essential.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-GB>Excellent written and oral communication skills.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-GB>Proven experience of effectively dealing with media.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-GB>Proven experience of managing internal communications.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-GB>Proven ability to manage several projects concurrently; excellent time management & organisational skills<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-GB>Strong team player and lateral thinker, comfortable working collaboratively, virtually and independently.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=EN-GB>Desirable <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0cm' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span lang=EN-GB>A strong interest in the protection of the Environment.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>Those interested in this position should email a cover letter and current CV to <a href="mailto:office@ien.ie"><b>office@ien.ie</b></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB>The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Monday 16th July 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-GB><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-IE'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-66105289537732152542012-07-03T11:21:00.001+01:002012-07-03T11:21:18.896+01:00IWT - last chance to book for Millstreet Part event on Saturday<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Last chance to reserve your place to Millstreet Environmental Park on sat 7th July. This is an event not to be missed and at €5 entry fee is very reasonable. We will be given<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>a guided tour, a talk and entry to the park itself. All are welcome. This event is suitable for children so why not bring the family and spend a day out in the park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Reserve places by 5pm wed 4th July.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Contact cork branch for further details.<br>------------------------------------------------------------<br><br><span style='color:#222222;background:white'>UCC is currently seeking potential students for their BSc Environmental Management programme starting in September. If anyone is interested in this course please check out</span> <a href="http://www.ucc.ie/cgi-bin/uncgi/coursesearch?category=ug&terms=environmental+&Search=Search">http://www.ucc.ie/cgi-bin/uncgi/coursesearch?category=ug&terms=environmental+&Search=Search</a> <br><br><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>----------------------------------------------------------------</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>CONFERENCE - IRISH WILDLIFE REHABILITATION TRUST</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>The IWRT is pleased to announce details</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#222222'>of its third Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference, to be held on<br>Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of September.<br><br><br><br>This is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in wildlife welfare<br>and/or conservation to learn more about treating wildlife casualties;<br>wildlife conservation; post release monitoring; and wildlife crime.<br><br>Saturday will be an open attendance day and we will again be welcoming<br>a mixture of conservationists, rehabilitators, students, SPCA's, NPWS<br>personnel, Gardaí and interested members of the public.<br><br>Sunday is for vets and veterinary nurses and is a continuing<br>professional development event that is registered for 7.5 to 9.5 CVE<br>credits.<br><br><br><br>Conference registration and payment details can be found at:<br></span><a href="http://www.iwrt.ie/conference" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#1155CC'>www.iwrt.ie/conference</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-34863344277580249472012-07-03T09:27:00.001+01:002012-07-03T09:27:58.351+01:00Irish Environment Newsletter July<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Just to let you know that we have published the July 2012 (34th) issue of <i>irish environment</i>, which includes:<i> </i> .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-tab-span> </span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>News</span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>: updated each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday<span style='color:#4F4D4D'> </span></span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Commentary</span></b><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>: Christopher Dobson, </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Dispelling the myths – let's tell the truth about wind farms</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Report:</span></b></span><span class=apple-tab-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>International Energy Agency’s Golden Age of Gas and Golden Rules on Fracking</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Podcast</span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>:<b><span style='color:#333333'> </span></b></span></span><span class=apple-tab-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#333333'> </span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> Interview with Jim Dillon, Leitrim Farmer, Speaking about Fracking</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>i<b>ePEDIA</b>: Unconventional Gas</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-tab-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>YouTube</span></b></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>: Veganism. Saving the planet one plant at a time</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Please pass along this Notice about the magazine to colleagues, friends and others interested in protecting the <span style='color:black'>environment.</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='color:black'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZihQS8_VeqYmiU09n7nd7qbb255XsJ9CbGOUcPADz92LA6rSaNs_ukEZe7nAOIy3zi4XVmpeY7g9yrWj0HpAp_nVpm59BhshRorTQ9L8H0RFzOux4Pct2oLrLp4A6wHlmPdmroH-Hxltf/s1600/image001-778353.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZihQS8_VeqYmiU09n7nd7qbb255XsJ9CbGOUcPADz92LA6rSaNs_ukEZe7nAOIy3zi4XVmpeY7g9yrWj0HpAp_nVpm59BhshRorTQ9L8H0RFzOux4Pct2oLrLp4A6wHlmPdmroH-Hxltf/s320/image001-778353.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760857152534796914" /></a></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'>:</span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif";color:black'>an online resource for environmental matters on the island of Ireland</span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-tab-span><span style='font-family:"TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-family:"TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-tab-span><span style='font-family:"TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif";color:black'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='color:black'><a href="http://www.irishenvironment.com/">www.irishenvironment.com</a></span></span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-51503568869771925942012-06-29T19:20:00.001+01:002012-06-29T19:20:57.664+01:00Daubenton's Bat Waterway Survey - 16th July Millstreet Country Park<div class=WordSection1><p>For your information.<o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:navy'>Please also note that places are filling up so please reserve your place on the Millstreet Park event asap.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:navy'>Gill</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:navy'>F.Y.I</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:navy'>I am told this is not suitable for children. The main aim is to train people to get out and survey Daubenton Bats over the summer months.</span><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span lang=EN-US><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div><p style='text-align:justify'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>All Ireland Daubenton’s Bat Waterway Survey Training Courses</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Please come along to whichever training event suits you. For new volunteers, waterway sites will be allocated on the night of the training. For any queries please contact Tina at <a href="mailto:info@batconservationireland.org" target="_blank">info@batconservationireland.org</a> 086 4049468.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>All training courses are organised by Bat Conservation Ireland in association with local biodiversity officers, wildlife groups, heritage officers, NPWS and county bat groups. Training courses involve a 2-hour indoor session followed by 1-hour demonstration at a local waterway.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:7.0pt'> </span>County Cork<o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Monday 16<sup>th</sup> July 2012 @8.00 pm, Millstreet Country Park, Millstreet, Co. Cork. <a href="http://www.millstreetcountrypark.com/" target="_blank">http://www.millstreetcountrypark.com/</a> for directions.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Like us on Facebook to keep up-to-date on events or register your interest in participating by clicking the following link <a href="http://www.batconservationireland.org/php/monitoring_daub.php" target="_blank">http://www.batconservationireland.org/php/monitoring_daub.php</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Press Release 29<sup>th</sup> June 2012</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Bat Conservation Ireland </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.batconservationireland.org" target="_blank">www.batconservationireland.org</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><a href="mailto:info@batconservationireland.org" target="_blank">info@batconservationireland.org</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>It is the 7<sup>th</sup> year of the All Ireland Duabenton’s Bat Waterway Survey and we are seeking volunteers across the island. Are you interested in surveying your local waterway for Daubenton’s bat on 2 nights during the month of August? If so, join us for free training at number of different centres during the month of July (for dates and details of training venues please see <a href="http://www.batconservationireland.org/php/events.php" target="_blank">http://www.batconservationireland.org/php/events.php</a>). This training will involve an indoor lecture followed by a practical session using bat detectors on a local river. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>This survey is part a monitoring scheme recording the activity of the Daubenton’s bat. These yearly surveys allow us to determine whether the population of this bat species is increasing or decreasing. The more volunteer teams we have the more accurate our information is. Currently there are four teams in County Kilkenny but there is plenty room for more. In 2011, 229 waterways were surveyed across the island. Your help is needed to increase coverage for the island.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>The Daubenton’s bat is known as the water bat because of its preference to roost and feed close to water such as rivers and lakes. It is easy to identify because of all of our 9 resident species of bat, it is the only species that will be seen continuously skimming the water surface as it is feeding on insects. Surveyors will be in teams of 2 people. Bat Conservation Ireland will provide the use of a bat detector for the survey. No prior experience is needed.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>The All Ireland Daubenton’s Bat Waterway Survey is funded by the NPWS, Department of Arts, Heritage and Local Government and NIEA, Northern Ireland.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>If you would like more information or would like to register, please click onto the following internet web link:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.batconservationireland.org/php/monitoring_daub.php" target="_blank">http://www.batconservationireland.org/php/monitoring_daub.php</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>PLEASE SEND TO PEOPLE YOU THINK THAT MAY BE INTERESTED IN THESE COURSES.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>Bat Conservation Ireland Ltd.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>Registered Charity No. 13016</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>Company Registration No. 494343</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Ulex House, Drumheel, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Lisduff, Virginia, Co. Cavan</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#C0504D'><a href="http://www.batconservationireland.org" target="_blank">www.batconservationireland.org</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#C0504D'><a href="mailto:info@batconservationireland.org" target="_blank">info@batconservationireland.org</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348961080683904960.post-67200786082146803582012-06-28T17:21:00.001+01:002012-06-28T17:21:40.649+01:00Smarter Travel new National Journey Planner launched today!<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The National Transport Authority’s new National Journey Planner has gone live on <b><a href="http://www.TransportforIreland.ie">TransportforIreland.ie</a></b> today (June 27, 2012). The service helps people plan personal journeys, door-to-door, anywhere in Ireland, using public transport and / or walking. There is also an App available for Android now, with the iPhone App coming very soon.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Click through to the site and you will see that the National Journey Planner is unlike anything seen in Ireland before:</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0cm' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>It’s <b>national</b> – covering all 26 counties, plus stops from RoI services in Northern Ireland</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>It’s <b>multi-operator</b>, with bus, rail, tram, taxis and ferries included – private operators as well as the CIE companies. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>It has a huge <b>scope</b>, with 9,600 bus stops across Ireland included, 750 different routes, 152 train stations, and route and timetable information from 120 different transport providers. </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>It gives fully <b>mapped-out route information, printable timetables</b> and details of overall <b>journey times</b> – <b>all in one place</b></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>“<b>Advanced Settings</b>” feature allow you to set your own preferred walking time and speed, your willingness to make interchanges between services, or any preference for one travel mode over others</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Coming next on the site will be</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0cm' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Real Time Passenger Information inputs</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Rural Transport programme / demand responsive services </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Fares information for your journey</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Cycle planner</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>I would urge you to try the Journey Planner out, and to share this link with your constituents and organisations. Tell us what you think of the site. What do you like about how it works? What could be better? Have we missed anything locally – a short-cut or a blocked walkway? </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>We’ve set up a special feedback channel on <a href="http://www.TransportforIreland.ie">TransportforIreland.ie</a>, and we’re actively encouraging as much feedback from members of the public as we can; our special technical team is in place to use this feedback to fine-tune and improve the site further. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Yours sincerely,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>___________________</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Gerry Murphy</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Chief Executive</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:125%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>National Transport Authority </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Cork Environmental Forumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14863551984632481508noreply@blogger.com