European Environment Agency (EEA)
www.eea.europa.eu

Eleven Member States exceed air emissions limits under LRTAP Convention

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.

Read more ...

 

 

 

IWT Childrens Event this Sunday 5th Aug @ 12pm "What to find on Seashores" & much more.

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 Corkbranch@gmail.com to reserve a place. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring waterproof, warm clothing. Duration 1 ½ hours. FREE.

IF ANYONE IS AVAILABLE TO HELP OUT WE NEED AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS. Please contact Katriona.

FUTURE EVENTS:   Heritage Week
18th Aug.  Otter Walk. Meet at 4pm in the Vision Centre, South Main St, Cork City
18th Aug.  Native garden planting. Fitzgerald Park. Jo Goodyear.
19th Aug.  Urban trees. Beaumont Quarry. Led by Jo Goodyear.
25th Aug. Bat walk. The Lough. Led by Conor Kelleher. Meet at 8:30 pm at the Lough.

Re events please contact: katriona.wallace@gmail.com or corkbranch@gmail.com

Also check this out.

IWT Gets a mention in the Dail. Check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoLKC6MwqRU

 

 

 

FW: GM Potato Trials to be carried out in Carlow

Apologies as there were problems posting notices last week, the glitch has been rectified.

 

From: Bernie Connolly [mailto:bernadette@cef.ie]
Sent: 26 July 2012 10:01
To: ptreacycef.notices@blogger.com
Subject: GM Potato Trials to be carried out in Carlow

 

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. These Conditions address the following matters:

 

Ø  The scope of the consent

Ø  The duration, location and area of the field trials

Ø  The management of the field trials

Ø  The duty upon the notifier to inform the Agency of new information

Ø  Requirements in relation to reporting to the Agency

Ø  The detection method for the identification of the GM potatoes

Ø  Sampling the trial site, and charges for carrying out site inspections, auditing and monitoring.

 

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.

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.

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.

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 (www.epa.ie).

A three-month period during which a judicial review can be sought has now commenced.

All related documentation is available for download at http://www.epa.ie/whatwedo/licensing/gmo/fieldtrial/

Notes to Editors

What are GMO's?

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.

Why is late potato blight a focus for study?

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.

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.

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.

 When was the licence application received by EPA?

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. 

 Who did EPA consult as part of its licence assessment process?

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.

 In what way has the GM potato line been modified?

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 (Phytophthora infestans). 

The GM potato line is cisgenic; the R gene was taken from a wild potato species (Solanum venturii) originating in South America and was reinserted into the genome of a potato variety commonly cultivated in the EU (Solanum tuberosum cultivar Desiree) i.e. that is to say the R gene was reinserted back into the same species or a phylogenetically closely related species.

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.

 Why is a field trial important?

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.

 Are field trials with GM potatoes taking place elsewhere?

The field trial will be performed as part of an EU publicly funded 7^th 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.

 The purpose of the field trial is to:

·         Quantify the impact of GM potato cultivation on bacterial, fungal, nematode and earthworm diversity in the soil, compared to a conventional potato system;

·         Identify integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and components which could be positively or negatively affected by the adoption of GM late blight resistant potato;

·         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.

 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.

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.

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.

 

What happens next if the trials are positive?

 

Teagasc have stated that they are not in the business of developing GM crops for commercialisation. 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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair of Friends of the Earth, Nnimmo Bassey, visiting Ireland in August

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. Nnimmo is an award winning environmental activist 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.

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.

On Friday the 17th of August we will be in Manorhamilton,Co. Leitrim at 8pm. You can register for this event here. 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.

On Sunday the 19th of August we are jointly organising an event with Afri, in Glenamoy, Co Mayo starting at 2pm. You can register for this event here. 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.

On Monday the 20th of August Nnimmo will speak in the Project Arts Centre in Dublin at 7pm. Please register for this event, spaces are limited 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.

We look forward to seeing you at one of these inspiring events.

Your Friends of the Earth Team,
Molly, Oisín and JoAnne.

 

 

 

Cork Cycling Festival this weekend events

Still some great events on over the weekend.

FRIDAY 27th July

10.00-17.00     Countryside Cycle to Crosshaven  // Festival HQ, Grand Parade

A tour South-West to the picturesque harbour village of Crosshaven

13.00-14.00     An Abhainn sa Chathair  // Festival HQ, Grand Parade

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.

18.00               Grand Bike Parade  //  Grand Parade

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.

SATURDAY 28th JULY

13.00               Vintage Velo Run - Festival HQ, Grand Parade

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!

18.30               Party and BBQ  - The Quarter Deck, The Flying Enterprise, Sullivans Quay

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.

SUNDAY 29th JULY

12.00-18.00     Bike Fair    //  Festival HQ, Grand Parade

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

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

 

 

 

Smart Cities Summit in Dublin 25th September 2012

Topics to be addressed at The 2nd National Smart Cities Summit include:

• Achieving smart cities and communities in Ireland
• Connected smart cities
• Clean-tech innovation and enterprise
• Case study on Copenhagen’s smart transport policies
• Case study on UCC’s smart building initiatives
• Carbon neutral cities
• Smart and connected urban mobility
• Smart Grids
• Smart Buildings
• Energy Efficiency
• Benchmarking Irish cities against international cities

  Who Should Attend?   The audience at The 2nd National Smart Cities Summit will include:

• Senior management from local government sectors such as planning, urban development, infrastructure, ICT & sustainability
• Relevant policy-makers & advisors in national and local government
• CEOs, CIOs & Heads of Sustainability in key industries such as electricity, water & transport
• Senior decision makers in energy, telecoms and broadband
• Engineering, environmental, economic & management consultants
• Financiers & investors

 

http://www.eventznet.com/evx/acs/iquest/smartcities12/

 

N28 Public Consultation

N28 Sustainable Travel Strategy - Public Consultation - On-line Questionnaire

http://www.corkcoco.ie/co/web//Cork%2520County%2520Council/Departments/Corporate%2520Affairs/Media%2520Releases?did=124118439 
Gavin Daly
Mobile: +353 (0)87 6634907
skype: contactgavindaly 

 

 

 

2 x Major Events in Schull this week - Wednesday 4pm, Friday 7.30pm

 

 

BOOK LAUNCH

Peak Oil Personalities

‘Creatures of Serendipity’ launch their interactive Book app for iPad ‘Nearly There’ at Grove House, Schull, West Cork this Wednesday at 4pm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSWcjkDY90

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qytlY58LP9g&list=UUn11HFz5JJErcSIGMuBUqFw&index=1&feature=plcp

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EovaVn3J8is

With its exquisite drawings, catchy tune, exciting, and innovative narration, ‘Nearly There’ 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. ‘Nearly There’ will be launched at 4pm on Wednesday 11^th 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.

 

Edited by Colin Campbell

At Whyte Books, the bookshop in Schull,

7:30 pm

Friday the 13th of July

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 Peak Oil Personalities.

 

 

Cork Cycling Festival 21st -29th July - FREE

www.corkcyclingfestival.com

Media contact: Nicki ffrench Davis 087 3900267

Media email: nickiffrench@gmail.com

 

 

 

Cork's biggest 100% free festival coming soon!

 

The fifth Cork Cycling Festival which runs from 21-29^th July is gearing up for another nine days full of reasons to get out on a bike. This year's festival promises to be more visible than ever, with lots of day-time events, including themed city cycles and countryside tours, a shop-front art trail, a Bike Fair and three parades. Every event in the festival is free to attend – just bring your wheels!

 

Themed cycles around the city include: An Abhainn sa Chaithair, a tour as Gaelige 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.

 

If you're up for a challenge and want to explore some of Cork's beautiful countryside, 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.. Enjoy the rich landscape with five cycles in total visiting Dungourney, Barryscourt Castle & Cobh, Mullinhassig, Blarney, and Crosshaven.

 

There is an emphasis on family cycling solutions 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. Families are welcome at all events and are the stars of the Kid luv Bikes exhibition in Cork City Library. This year also sees the first Bike Shorts competition for young film-makers, whose work will also be showcased at Cork City Library. Both these competitions are run in collaboration with Cork City Council's SMILES project.

 

Three bicycle parades will enliven the city with everyone invited to come and take part. The first will be the Cycle of Lights, 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 Grand Bicycle Parade is an 'anything goes' evening parade through the city centre with music and costumes. The Vintage Velo Run 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!

 

2012 sees the annual festival art exhibition move onto the streets for the first time ever. Gallery on the Go is Cork's first ever shop front cycle art exhibition 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.

 

The final event in this year's festival is a Bike Fair which will take place on the Grand Parade on Sunday 29^th 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.

To keep hungry cyclists fuelled festival-goers can avail of a special discount on packed picnic lunches 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.

 

This year's Cork World Naked Bike Ride has been planned to coincide with the festival once again, on Saturday 28^th 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.

 

See www.corkcyclingfestival.com for more

 

[ENDS]

 

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION BELOW!

 

But first…

 

Ppsssst! Did you know?

·         The average person will lose 13lbs in their first year of cycling to work!

·         Scientists at Stanford University have found that cycling regularly can protect your skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduce the signs of ageing.

·         Studies have proved bikes are 50% faster than cars during rush hour!

·         Researchers from Illinois University found that a five percent improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness from cycling led to an improvement of up to 15 percent in mental tests. That's because cycling helps build new brain cells in the hippocampus – the region responsible for memory, which deteriorates from the age of 30.

·         20 bikes can be parked in the same space as 1 car!

·         30 minutes daily cycling saves hundreds of euro on medical costs annually!

·         Cycling just 20 miles a week reduces your risk of heart disease to less than half that of those who take no exercise, it says.

·         The happiest cities worldwide all have a high number of cyclists according to John Helliwell, a renowned happiness expert and economist at University of British Columbia.

 

 

LISTINGS INFO

 

ReDiscover your city...

·         Guide Dogs Cycle: Mon 23 July,17:30-20:30, Start @ GrandParade

·         Histories & Memories of the Lee Valley: Tues 24 July,13:00-14:30, Start @ Grand Parade

·         Community Gardens Cycle: Tues 24 July,18:00, Start @ GrandParade

·         Hidden Cork Wed 25 July,13:00-14:00, Start @ GrandParade
Evening City tour: Cork's Signage Wed 25,18:00, Start @ GrandParade

·         An Oige Cycles Thurs 26 July,19:00, Start @ Cork Opera House
An Abhainn Sa Chathair Fri 27 July,13:00-14:00,Grand Parade

Special Events

·         Festival Opening:  Sat 21 July,  13:00,  Grand  Parade

·         Bike maintenance workshop:    Sat 21 July,  14:00-­16:00,  Grand  Parade

·         Cycle of Lights: Sat 21 July, 20:00-Late, Start @ Grand Parade

·         Gallery on the go! Guided tour    Sun  22  July,  13:00-­15:00,  Grand  Parade

·         Grand Bike Parade: Fri 27 July,18:00, Start @ Grand Parade

·         Vintage Velo Run: Sat 28 July,13:00, Start @ Grand Parade

·         Cork World Naked Bike Ride:   Sat  28  July,  15:00-­17:00,  Grand  Parade

·         Bike Party and BBQ:   Sat  28  July,  18:30,  The  Flying  Enterprise  ,  Sullivans  Quay

·         Bike Fair:   Sun 29 July,  12:00-­18:00,  Grand  Parade

Touring Cycles

Barryscourt & Cobh touring cycle: Mon 23 July,  10:00-­17:00,  Grand  Parade

East cork longer touring cycle: Tues 24 July,  10:00-­19:00,  Grand  Parade

Mullinhassig touring cycle:    Wed 25 July,  10:00-­17:00,  Grand  Parade

Blarney Short touring cycle:    Thurs 26 July,  13:00-­17:00,  Grand  Parade

Crosshaven countryside cycle:    Fri 27 July,  10:00-­17:00,  Grand  Parade

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Eisenstein & Mark Boyle present economic alternatives in Cork & Dublin

Dear friend,

 

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 6.30pm on Monday, the 23rd of July) and Dublin (outdoors in Dartmouth Square at 6pm on Wednesday, the 25th). 

 

Charles Eisenstein (author of the inspiring works The Ascent of Humanity and, most recently, Sacred Economics) is coming to Ireland for two speaking dates and will be accompanied by Ireland's own Mark Boyle (author of The Moneyless Man: A Year of Freeconomic Living), 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. 

 

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.

 

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, Sacred Economics, 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.

 

This video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEZkQv25uEs) serves as a good introduction to Charles' thinking.

 

We hope to see you there, and please pass this on to anyone who you feel may be interested!

 

Facebook events for Cork and Dublin:

https://www.facebook.com/events/260813654018944/ - Cork

https://www.facebook.com/events/293950454034208/ - Dublin

 

 

 

Convergence - Projects and Initiatives that Inspire

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 http://convergence.cultivate.ie/ 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 http://convergence.cultivate.ie/submit-your-idea/

 

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. http://www.fundit.ie/project/convergence-2012---an-exhibition 

 

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. http://convergence.cultivate.ie/host-it-yourself/

 

Finally a couple of events are coming up that I want to let you know about.

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.

http://www.facebook.com/events/308510195908722/ 

 

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. http://www.facebook.com/events/293950454034208/

 

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.

 

Thanks

Davie 

 

Davie Philip

Convergence Director
Community Resilience Programme 

Cultivate Living & Learning 
An Cosán Cúil, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary. 

63 Mount Street, Dublin 2
E-mail: davie@cultivate.ie  
Skype: sustdavie
Twitter: @comresie
Office: 0505 56061
Mobile: +353 (0) 87 6340697
Web:  www.cultivate.ie

 

 

 

Natural Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Survey

NEES Project opens Call for Best Practices in Natural Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.

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 (www.neesonline.org) under the section headed "Survey".

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.

The 1^st Call is open, on-line,  from June 1^st to July 31^st of this year. 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".

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.    

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.

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.

Please pass this message on to anyone you know who might be interested and for further information, visit our website:

http://www.neesonline.org 

For more information
contact:

Jose Ospina, 

Project Manager, 

NEES Project, 

Tel (+353) 28 21890 

Mobile (+353) 86 8224429

 jose.ospina@neesonline.org

 

 

 

 

Public Consultation on Producer Responsibility Initiative

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.

 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.”

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”. 

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”.

The public consultation phase will run until Wednesday 25^th July next and further information is available at www.environ.ie  

 Note for Editors.

 The polluter pays principle 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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

irish Environmental Network - Job Vacancy

 

 Communications Officer – Full-time

Location: The Macro Building, 1 Green St, Dublin 7 
Deadline: 5.00pm 16 Jul 2012 
Company: Irish Environmental Network (IEN)

Contract:  One year renewable contract.
This is a full-time role - Salary will be reflective of the level of experience

Purpose:  Support the Irish Environmental Network’s objectives through the management and implementation of the agreed communications’ plan.

Key Tasks

Implement the IEN communications plan and to further the objectives of IEN and its member organisations.

• Web: Writing and editing for websites - Creating content on websites
• HTML, CSS - Website maintenance
• Graphics creation, video editing, video shooting, photography
• PR: Media relations, writing press releases
• Print: Designing leaflets, flyers, posters, etc
• Event: Coordinate and organise events,
• IT support: Email list management
• General Computer knowledge: MS Office suite
• Programs/Software: Adobe Photoshop; Wordpress; Adobe Illustrator;  InDesign; Microsoft Office Adobe Acrobat Acrobat; Audacity; Joomla; Google Analytics; Adsense; Adwords; Facebook; Twitter
• Management of media relationships.
• Fundraising

Person/Skills Profile: 

Essential

• Qualification in Communications/PR, and/or equivalent qualification & relevant experience.
• Experience in a Communications Officer/Manager role is essential.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven experience of effectively dealing with media.
• Proven experience of managing internal communications.
• Proven ability to manage several projects concurrently; excellent time management & organisational skills
• Strong team player and lateral thinker, comfortable working collaboratively, virtually and independently.

 

Desirable           

• A strong interest in the protection of the Environment.

 

Those interested in this position should email a cover letter and current CV to office@ien.ie

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Monday 16th July 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

IWT - last chance to book for Millstreet Part event on Saturday

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

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.

 

Reserve places  by 5pm wed 4th July.

Contact cork branch for further details.
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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  http://www.ucc.ie/cgi-bin/uncgi/coursesearch?category=ug&terms=environmental+&Search=Search 

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CONFERENCE - IRISH WILDLIFE REHABILITATION TRUST

The IWRT is pleased to announce details

of its third Irish Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference, to be held on
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of September.



This is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in wildlife welfare
and/or conservation to learn more about treating wildlife casualties;
wildlife conservation; post release monitoring; and wildlife crime.

Saturday will be an open attendance day and we will again be welcoming
a mixture of conservationists, rehabilitators, students, SPCA's, NPWS
personnel, Gardaí and interested members of the public.

Sunday is for vets and veterinary nurses and is a continuing
professional development event that is registered for 7.5 to 9.5 CVE
credits.



Conference registration and payment details can be found at:
www.iwrt.ie/conference

 

 

 

Irish Environment Newsletter July

Just to let you know that we have published the July 2012 (34th) issue of irish environment, which includes:  .

            News:                 updated each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday   

            Commentary:  Christopher Dobson, Dispelling the myths – let's tell the truth about wind farms

            Report:                          International Energy Agency’s Golden Age of Gas and Golden Rules on Fracking

            Podcast:          Interview with Jim Dillon, Leitrim Farmer, Speaking about Fracking

 

            iePEDIA:          Unconventional Gas

            YouTube:        Veganism.  Saving the planet one plant at a time

Please pass along this Notice about the magazine to colleagues, friends and others interested in protecting the environment.

 :  an online resource for environmental matters on the island of Ireland                                                                                          www.irishenvironment.com