Monthly Archive for March, 2010

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Sonairte welcomes new Education Officer

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Sonairte would like to welcome new Education Officer Dr Emma Reeves. Emma will be bringing her skills and experience as a field ecologist to expanding our range of education offerings. Teachers, please call us to find out about CSI Sonairte. She can also help schools with last minute preparation for the Junior and Leaving Cert Ecology curriculum. Contact her at 041 9827572

Despite wet weather all the spring vegetables are growing madly in the garden and we will soon have lots of herb, soft fruit and vegetable plants for sale.

And for those who want to grow their own there are evening, weekday and weekend courses in both organic vegetable growing and organic gardening – check out the website for details. www. sonairte.ie

Also coming shortly Low Cost Design and Construction with Andy Wilson. Simple house design and construction, with the emphasis on very low cost construction based on self-build techniques and using natural and/or recycled materials. The starting point is the premise that buildings requiring large mortgages or high inputs of fossil fuels or other non-renewable resources will not be sustainable in the post fossil fuel era.

Sonairte would like to thank Declan MacIntosh as he moves on to new things for the all the dedicated work and creativity he has given to the Mustard Seed cafe over the last few years. Watch this space for more information about the next phase in Plot to Pot eating and delicious organic and vegetarian food at Sonairte

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Dublin’s Customs House marks Earth Hour 2010

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Friends of the Irish Environment have put together a little Earth Hour video which they hope to build on. It is at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=earthhour#p/u/23/g8H6bzj3DDw , where you can see videos of other countries as well.

The video features the Customs House on the River Liffey in Dublin which turned off its lights, and comments from environmentalist Ciara Aucoin, ‘Eco-Eye’s’ Duncan Stewart , and the Minister for the Environment John Gormley.

SHOTLIST:

  • 00:00- 00:05 WWF/Earth Hour logos
  • 00:05 – 00:08 Title: Earth Hour Ireland 2010
  • 00:08- 00: Image of rotating Earth with Voice over by Ciara Aucoin ‘3 years ago, the residents of Sydney Australia turned out their lights for one hour. In 2010, people in more than 120 countries around the world have joined the biggest grassroots environmental movement in history.’
  • 00:19- 00:45 Ciara Aucoin from the irish environmental group VOICE describes the importance of Earth Hour
  • 00:45- 01:17 Duncan Stewart, TV Producer of ‘Eco-Eye’ describes what Earth hour means to him and how easy it is to make small changes to make a big difference.
  • 01:17- 01:44 Minister John Gormley, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, says how happy he is to be associated with Earth hour and the actions of everyone demonstrates that people do care about Climate Change.
  • 01:44- 01:55 wide shot of the Custom’s House an historic government building overlooking the River Liffey going dark, with the street lights lighting up the building and reflecting from the river.
  • 01:55- 02:01 same visual as above with a voice over from young environmentalist Ciara Aucoin, ‘Earth Hour shows us that we are not alone. Earth Hour gives power back to the people. This is the time to show where you stand and join the global climate revolution.’
  • 02:01- 02:18 acknowledgements of WWF, Earth Hour, Friends of the Irish Environment who co-ordinated earth Hour in the republic of Ireland and closing logos.
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The Native Woodland Trust holds tree planting event

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On Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th March the Native Woodland Trust held a tree planting event in The Kildare Steiner School, County Kildare, sponsored by AIB. “Our aim was to plant 1,500 new native trees as well as put down a woodland forest path” said a spokesperson for the group. “Since announcing this event in the school it has created a great buzz and has pulled all the parents of the school together. We turned up at the school on Friday to be met by very excited children, teachers and Native Woodland Trust volunteers.”
Over the course of Friday volunteers managed to put down most of the woodland path which is rather large and plant about 200 native trees. On Saturday word had spread and twice the amount of volunteers turned up to help. Over the course of Saturday Native Woodland Trust volunteers planted the remaining 1,300 native trees and finished the woodland forest path.
Species planted were Oak, Ash, Alder, Birch, Blackthorn, Guelder Rose, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Rowan, Spindle, Willow as well as a few Strawberry trees. This is now a very valuable asset to the school and will be used by the school as an outdoor classroom to teach the children the importance of woodlands.

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Like-minded organisations come together to highlight important habitats

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Just Forests in association with Dublin Zoo are delighted to inform you that the Wood of Life – a hands-on, travelling exhibition on the importance of forests and wood – will be on display in the beautiful Tropical Bird House which is located in the Robert’s House just off the main lawn at Dublin Zoo for the month of April 2010.
“Dublin Zoo is a fitting venue for this exhibition considering the Zoo’s own mission to protect and preserve the world’s biodiversity” according to Tom Roche of Just Forests, the organisers of the exhibition.” It is all the more fitting as 2010 is the UN-designated International Year of Biodiversity (IYB).
“Dublin Zoo is pleased to host this valuable exhibition showing the links between human well-being and preserving the quality of the environment. A big part of the role of a modern zoo is to educate people about our natural resources and how best to sustain them. This exhibition is a valuable education tool for any outing, a must see.” says Claire Doyle of Dublin Zoo’s Education Department.
The Wood of Life exhibition has something for everyone young and not so young so please do come along and discover the wonderful world of wood. Workshops for schools (primary, secondary and transition year) will be provided. Please book your slot as soon as possible on 01 474 8932 – no extra charge. Normal zoo admission rate applies. For more information on Dublin Zoo and Just Forests visit www.dublinzoo.ie and www.justforests.org

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Ireland faces critical shortage of national forestry policy

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Ireland’s current forestry policy is based on a discredited 1996 plan requiring ‘critical mass’ by planting 20,000 hectares a year of fast growing conifers, environmentalists have claimed. Over recent years planting has fallen to 6,000 hectares a year.
‘The Department of Agriculture has done nothing to provide a new plan except hire consultants to tell them the policy has failed’, said a spokesman for Friends of the Irish Environment.
‘The poor quality timber coming out of Irish forests is unsustainable and farmers are being led down the garden path’, the spokesman added.
The group claims that the recent River Basin Management Plan for the Eastern area says that €4 million will now be required to reduce the impact from forestry in the area, €2 million for Glendalough alone. ‘The European Commission discontinued 75% grant aid for Ireland’s policy because of environmental concerns in 2006’, a spokesman pointed out.
‘Tax payers pay twice for the wrong tree in the wrong place – grant aided forestry on sensitive soils, paid for by the taxpayer, is polluting waters with sediments, dissolved organic carbon and nutrients. This water then has to be cleaned up at the cost of the tax payer before it can be used.’
‘Ireland desperately needs a forestry policy to address all the pressing issue we and the ITGA are raising’.
Further information: 027 74771 / 0872176316

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EU launch biodiversity campaign

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The Environment Directorate-General of the European Commission has launched its campaign to raise awareness of biodiverity in 2010. The campaign website Biodiversity: We are all in this together is viewable at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity.
The campaign aims to eductate the public on the importance of biodivesity and highlight the work the EU is doing to protect it.
The campaign links to the UN organised Convention on Biological Diversity 2010 International Year of Biodiversity campaign which many IEN members are taking part in.

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Easter Fun Day

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Are you looking for some fun activities for your children during the Easter holidays?  The Bog of Allen Nature Centre will be holding a half day Easter Froggy Fun Camp for students aged 7-13 years on the 1st April between 10am and 1pm. Activities on the day will include pond dipping, froggy crafts and frog search.  All activities will be fully supervised by experienced instructors.  The cost of the camp is 15 Euro and booking is essential, as there is limited places.   If you would like to make a booking contact Nuala Madigan at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045-860133.   Editors Notes: The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is run by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council a charity that was set up in 1982 to conserve a representative sample of Irish peatlands for future generations to enjoy.   Nuala Madigan is the Environmental Education Officer of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council.

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Environmentalists alarmed at Fine Gael plans to remove Air Travel Tax

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Fine Gael should reconsider their plans to scrap the Air Travel Tax an alliance of environmental groups said in advance of the proposed Dáil motion.
Friends of the Earth, An Taisce, CELT, the Centre for Environmental Living and Training, and Forest Friends called for Fine Gael to “think again”. They claim that the issues facing Irish tourism will not be addressed by the removal of the tax, levied at €2 for destinations less than 300km from Dublin and €10 for all other flights.

“We are on the cusp of major change arising from the overuse of the resources upon which we all depend” stated James Nix, a spokesman for the environmental groups. “It is essential then that in dealing with the challenges facing Irish tourism politicians apply the principles of sustainable development in all their decision-making.”

“The real challenge is to smooth the path for a sustainable model of tourism, and one that will stand Ireland in good stead beyond 2012 as well as before. We would urge Fine Gael to look at New Zealand’s tourism strategy which uses the values of hospitality and guardianship to provide the foundation for a sustainable approach to the development of their tourism industry.”

The environmental groups claim that while incoming visitors spend an average of €610 during their stay €878 is spent by the average Irish traveller abroad. (Both figures include the cost of travel). The travel tax is estimated to result in a net annual gain of €375m in overall spending to the Irish economy. In other words, while the travel tax is bad for some airlines and airports, it means more money stays in Ireland, and has a positive effect in overall terms.

The environmentalists advocate a shift from taxes on income and profits to tax on consumption of natural resources. This position is backed by the OECD which recommends the phasing our of all environmentally harmful subsidies, and the replacement of some current taxes with appropriate environmentally related fiscal measures in the framework of a comprehensive environmental tax reform.

“Flying is at least three times more polluting than any other means of travel. The levels of energy used are staggering. A kilogramme of jet fuel translates into more than 3kg of carbon emissions. Or to put it in relative terms, each passenger on board one return transatlantic flight will account for the same amount of carbon dioxide emissions as the average motorist will clock up over the course of a full year” said Mr Nix. “Over the coming years aviation is going to get more and moreexpensive. From 2012 the carbon dioxide released by aircraft will be levied under the EU’s emissions trading scheme. It is little wonder that aviation is under the environmental spotlight.”

The environmental groups have outlined measures to assist the Irish tourism sector to become more resilient as the cost of air travel rises. These include the development of ferry services such as the recent re-introduction of the Cork-Swansea route, more legible signage, and better information on the respective merits of different travel options within Ireland.

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EU Commission highlights Irish failures in access to justice

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Ireland and the United Kingdom’s have received a ‘final warning’ before daily fines are sought because of its failure to provide its citizen with access to justice that is not ‘prohibitively expensive’.

Other warnings to Ireland included three cases where it has failed to comply with European Court of Justice rulings concerning illegal development and developments that may harm the countryside as well as the protection of marine mammals. Two long-standing cases on drinking water supplies and shell-fish growing areas were closed.

A spokesman for the environmental lobby group Friends of the Irish Environment [FIE] said that ‘While we understand many of the cases highlighted by the Commission today are being addressed in amendments to the Planning legislation, fundamental changes to the Irish justice system are also now required.’

FIE have been involved in a number of Irish and European environmental law proceedings.

European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik pointed out that “When important decisions affecting the environment are taken, the public must be allowed to challenge them. This important principle is established in European law. But the law also requires that these challenges must be affordable.”

FIE claims that ‘In spite of the fact that the law explicitly states that such challenges must not be ‘prohibitively expensive’, legal proceedings in Ireland can be ruinously so. There is no doubt whatsoever that the potential financial consequences of losing challenges is preventing NGOs and individuals from bringing cases against public bodies and so denying citizens their legal rights.’

Also being challenged by the Commission is the well established procedure in Irish law requiring those seeking to have projects halted required to give expensive and often unaffordable undertakings of deposits that may be used to compensate defendants if an injunction is eventually not confirmed by a full court proceeding.

The Commission alleges that such undertakings are ‘serious impediment to the use of such injunctions, which are essential for temporarily halting operations that may have a potentially damaging impact on the environment while their legality is being assessed.’

Attribution: Spokesman

Comment:  Tony Lowes 027 74771 & 0872176316

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/313&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

and in the UK

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/312&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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Innovation Key as White House Goes Green

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Green is definitely the colour of the day as President Obama meets leader of Irish environmental organisation ECO-UNESCO at White House St. Patricks Day reception.

Innovation was the common theme uniting the diverse representatives of Irish society invited to the St. Patricks Day reception at the White House this year. This is the hallmark of ECO-UNESCO, whose innovative programmes range from the Young Environmentalist Awards to drugs prevention using environmental and outdoor education. The invitation of ECO-UNESCO’s Director, Elaine Nevin, shows that appreciation of its innovative approach goes right to the top.

“President Obama has shown a commitment to environmental protection, and ECO-UNESCO is proud that its role as a leader in the field of innovative environmental education has been recognised with this invitation to the White House St. Patrick’s Day reception,” said Elaine Nevin, Director of ECO-UNESCO.

ECO-UNESCO is Ireland’s environmental education and youth organisation affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO clubs, centres and associations.  It works to raise awareness and understanding of our environment through the personal development of young people.

“We have always prided ourselves on developing innovative approaches to environmental protection” continues Elaine Nevin.  “Through our programs we encourage young people to express their innovative spirit in everything from fashion shows to film-making in a bid to raise awareness of the issues around sustainable development and the environment.”

This invitation to Washington shows the high regard in which innovative organisations working with communities and young people are held. Through ECO-UNESCO, the environmental actions of committed young Irish people will be recognised in the political capital of the world.

For more information on any of the courses, events or initiatives run by ECO-UNESCO contact t: +353 1 6625491 e: info@ecounesco.ie w: www.ecounesco.ie

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CELT celebrate the 20th ‘WEEKEND IN THE WOODS’

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CELT celebrate the 20th ‘WEEKEND IN THE WOODS’ traditional skills training event on the 8th and 9th May 2010
at Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, County Clare by the shores of Lough Derg on the Shannon.
Learn a new skill with CELT’s Heritage Skills Programme for Sustainable Living:
CELT presents, in association with the Heritage Council and Muintir na Coille (Coppice and Allied Trades Association), choice from 19 courses in environmental and ecological trades for all levels – includes Wood Carving, Coppersmithing, Stone Carving, Dry-stone Walling, Greenwood Furniture, Felt craft, Longbow making, Fishing for beginners, Needle-Felting, Pole-lather construction, Basketry, Herb Lore, Leatherwork, Silversmithing, Sugan Chair making, Blacksmithing, Natural Building (cob, wattle, etc).
Trainees already having basic skills are welcome to develop their skills further under the guidance of highly qualified tutors. Courses are open to all over 14 years and ‘Woodcrafts & Rustic Art’ course open to 8 – 14 yr olds.  Book on-line.  Food available all day, free camping, free parking.  Film and music on Saturday evening.  Weekend fee now only €120 (was €150).
CELT Centre for Environmental Living and Training,
Scariff, Co.Clare, Ireland
www.celtnet.org info@celtnet.org Tel: 061-640765
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It’s Ecological Vandalism! -the continuing destruction of our native biodiversity is going un-punished

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A letter from Tom Roche, Irish Woodworkers for Africa – Just Forests

2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) by the United Nations – the year that celebrates the diversity of life on Earth, including every plant, animal and micro-organism. We are now three months into the IYB and here in Ireland the destruction of our wildlife corridors, namely hedgerows, continues unabated in the name of ‘progress’. Here in Offaly, from Rhode to Moneygall, the on-going removal of hedgerows is continuing at an alarming rate.

On Saturday 13th March 2010, I was appalled to see over 100 meters of ancient and biologically rich hedgerow destroyed outside Tullamore. I say destroyed but that word does not come close to describing the state the hedge row was reduced to-it was actually annihilated. This most recent incident, opposite Woodie’s on the Tullamore-Geashill Road is a reflection of what is happening not just county-wide here in Offaly but also nation-wide.

Whoever removed it didn’t even have the decency to cut it with a chainsaw. No, it was just beaten beyond recognition by some heavy-duty machines. It is all the more disturbing as this happened during Ireland’s ‘National Tree Week’-a nationwide event run annually by The Tree Council of Ireland to help us all to appreciate our native trees and associated biodiversity.

The war being waged against nature must stop. Our hedgerows and their associated biodiversity play a significant role in the prevention of flooding and the management of floodplains. Trees, hedges, “scrubland” and mixed woodlands significantly reduce sediment run off. The same eco-systems can hold and recycle more water than grazing or croplands. Trees, particularly native hardwoods, absorb water by draining it from the surface via their root systems. Recent research results shows that introducing woodland cover would reduce flows by 50%.

The main objectives of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 (relative to hedgerows) are to:

‘strengthen the provisions relating to the cutting of hedgerows during the critical bird-nesting period and include a requirement that hedgerows may only be cut during that period by public bodies, including local authorities, for reasons of public health or safety’.

The removal of over 100 meters of hedgerow opposite Woodie’s on the Tullamore-Geashill Road during ‘National Tree Week- 2010’ had nothing to do with ‘… public health or safety’.

Each year, about 90 million new people join the human race. This is roughly equivalent to adding three Canadas or another Mexico to the world annually, a rate of growth that will swell human numbers from today’s 6.2 billion to about 8.5 billion by 2025. Biodiversity is the backbone of our economic, social and environmental existence and Ireland must do more to appreciate the role of biodiversity in our lives.

A formal complaint has been lodged with Offaly County Council and the Garda Station at Tullamore. The un-necessary removal of hedgerows and “scrubland” must be halted, and those that have been removed un-necessarily reinstated.

Tom Roche, Irish Woodworkers for Africa – Just Forests
Rathcobican
Rhode
Co Offaly
Ireland.
Tel: ++353 (0)46 9737545
Website: www.justforests.org

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Greening Our Communities – Introducing the Transition Model

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Rob Hopkins launches the ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions at the Greenhouse

Join Rob Hopkins at Cultivate’s engaging Lunch and Learn event at the Greenhouse on the 30th of March. Transition Town initiatives have now emerged in countries around the world and 1000’s of communities are now adopting the process. The Transition Towns model has its roots in Ireland before being further developed and refined in Totnes, UK.

In this lunchtime session Rob Hopkins, the founder of this exciting movement, will be publicly interviewed by Davie Philip from Cultivate which will be followed by a café discussion and finish with an introduction from Transition Ireland and Northern Ireland on what is going on in here to help communities to transition to an energy lean, carbon constrained, and relocalised future that is green, economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

These Lunch and Learn sessions will introduce and explore pertinent issues with a wide range of stakeholders in a collaborative and engaging café setting.  A light lunch will be served from Café Fresh and Fair Trade coffee and tea will be provided. This full series will include discussions on the Green New Deal, Peak Oil, Climate Change, Green Public Procurement, the Smart Economy, Eco-Enterprise, The Aarhus Convention and other topics.

Transition Ireland and Northern Ireland (TIN) is the network hub for the Transition process on the island. TIN aims to inspire, inform, support, and train communities as they consider, adopt and implement a Transition Initiative in their local area. A new Transition Ireland social networking site can be found here <http://www.transitiontownsireland.ning.com>

Lunch and Learn
Cultivate Networking Sessions at the Greenhouse
Greenhouse, St Andrew Street, Dublin 2 (the former ENFO building).
Greening Our Communities – Introducing the Transition Model
With Rob Hopkins, Founder of the Transition Town Movement
30 March  - 12.00 – 13.30 – €15 includes a light lunch and tea and coffee
Greenhouse, St Andrew Street, Dublin 2. Booking 01 6745773
(Booking is essential if you want to have lunch)

Cultivate Living and Learning at the Greenhouse, Andrews Street, Dublin 2

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ECO-UNESCO training courses offered

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ECO-UNESCO are offering the following training courses:

  • Introduction to Sustainable Development (FETAC Accredited Module – L5) 10-Week Course: beginning Thurs 28 April. Please click here for further information and here for booking form.
  • ECO-Education -An introduction to Environmental Education: 23 March, 10 am – 4 pm. This provides practical means of integrating ESD methods into facilitation, as well as engaging the wider public in environmental issues. Click here for further information.
  • Youth & Sustainability: 28 April, 10 am – 4 pm.  Click here for further information.
  • Sustain It! Becoming a sustainable youth organisation: 6th May, 10 am – 4 pm. Click here for further information.
  • Peer Education & Sustainability: 22nd June, 10 am – 4 pm. Click here for further information.

All of the above courses will be held at ECO-UNESCO, The Greenhouse, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2. For further information, please click on the above links or contact ECO-UNESCO, T: 01 6625491, E: training@ecounesco.ie, W: www.ecounesco.ie.

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Discounts on trees, and a weekend in the woods

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CELT tree nursery has a 10% discount for Tree Week, offering a wide range of certified native trees, shrubs, hedging (Whitethorn 45 euro / 100), Sweet Chestnut, Walnut, Cobnut, fruit varieties. Phone Saul 061-924914 or 087-0577390.

Also, book now for CELT 20th Weekend in the Woods, 8th / 9th May – choose from 15 different trad skills / ecology training courses. See website for details.

CELT Centre for Environmental Living and Training
Main St, Scariff, Co.Clare, Ireland
www.celtnet.org info@celtnet.org Tel: 061-640765