Oct74/DoE/Bulletin 61_pdf - Department of Housing, Planning
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Oct74/DoE/Bulletin 61_pdf - Department of Housing, Planning
ISSUE 61 - November 2004 ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AN ROINN COMHSHAOIL AGUS RIALTAIS ÁITIÚIL DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN NO 61 - CONTENTS 1. General Environmental Matters 2 ECO-UNESCO & ENFO Young Environmentalist Awards 2004 3 Wild Saturdays ag ENFO! 3 Wild Saturdays at ENFO! 4 The Green Box 4 Revision of ISO 14001 and 14004 2. Water Quality 5 Na Rialacháin um Chóireáil Fuíolluisce Uirbigh (Leasú), 2004 6 Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations, 2004 3. Air Quality, Energy and Nuclear Safety 6 Planning Guidelines on Wind Energy Development 6 Sustainable Energy Awards 6 Proposed Directive on ship-source pollution 7 Radon Gas 8 EPA National Allocation Plan for Emissions Trading 8 Lá Saor ó Charranna 2004 9 Car Free Day 4. Planning 10 Higher Insulation Standards for Non-Residential Buildings 10 Dréacht-Threoirlínte ar Thithíocht Tuaithe Inbhuanaithe 11 Draft Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing 11 Draft Guidelines for Regional and Planning Authorities on Strategic Environmental Assessment 5. Natural and Built Heritage 12 Lá na gCrann 2004 12 Tree Day 2004 13 Protecting Peatlands 6. Waste Management 14 Protection of the Environment Act 2003 15 Litter Pollution Act 2003 15 Progress of the All-Island Fridge Freezer Scheme 16 Market Development Group 16 Glantachán Náisiúnta Earraigh 2004 17 National Spring Clean Week 2004 17 Launch of Cross-Border Waste Awareness Campaign 1 7. EU & International Environmental Matters 18 INTERREG IIIA 18 Informal Meeting of the Environment Council at Maastricht 19 Cruinniú Uachtaránachta de Bhord um Éicilipéadú an Aontais Eorpaigh 19 Presidential Meeting of the European Union Eco-labelling Board Appendices 21 ECO-UNESCO & ENFO Young Environmentalists Awards Winners 2004 23 Blanket Bogs & Raised Bogs 26 Litter Enforcement Statistics 27 Bodies represented on the Market Development Group Calendar of Events Recent Publications Websites 2 1. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS ECO-UNESCO & ENFO Young Environmentalist Awards launch 2005 In September 2004, ECO-UNESCO & ENFO launched the annual Young Environmentalist Awards, with some changes.This year there were new categories intended to: • represent a wider range of interests in the environment and, • make the awards accessible to all young people. Each year hundreds of young people, teachers and youth leaders get involved in environmental projects.Around the country people carry out habitat surveys, water testing, litter picks, waste and energy auditing and school or community wildlife gardening, to name a few. By getting involved in the ECO UNESCO & ENFO Young Environmentalist Awards, groups can contribute to the environment and gain many practical skills in addition to recognition for their great work.The Young Environmentalist Awards are for all young people in Ireland between the ages of 12–18.They have from September to February to complete a project on one of the 6 themes listed below. By February, each group must complete a 1,000 report on their project including supporting material, e.g. photo/video/visual display and research. At the heart of every Young Environmentalist Awards project is an environmental issue.The challenge is to take action on this issue through research and investigation, then to plan and carry out an action to help improve the environment in a visible way. Running alongside the action is the task of raising awareness.The group must tell others about their project and the environmental issue, by writing letters to local authorities, generating an interest in their own school or community group or engaging local media. To help participants decide on their chosen environmental issue, there are six environmental themes: • energy • water • air • waste • biodiversity, and • eco – enterprise (new category) Entrants can carry out a cross-thematic project with more than one environmental theme if they wish.The awards are divided into two sections, junior and senior.The junior section is open to those aged between 12 and 15 and the senior to those aged from 16 to 18. The competition is open to groups of 2 to 5 people. There are many benefits in carrying out an environmental project, the Awards provide young people with a platform for self development. By carrying out environmental projects participants learn to work with others, develop confidence, communication skills and leadership qualities.The Young Environmentalist Awards gives young people in schools, youth and community groups an opportunity to do a practical environmental project on an environmental issue of importance to them. Left - right: Brendan Linehan; ENFO, Elanie Nevin; National Director of Eco-Unesco and Aoileann Garavagha; presenter of Bin Bling on Network 2’s The Den. 3 1. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The Young Environmentalist Awards are projects for the environment and for young people with many benefits to both.The 2004 wining projects which were announced on 20 May 2004 are listed at Appendix 1. Interested groups can access information and register at www.ecounesco.ie and additional forms can be obtained by contacting the Eco-Unesco Awards Hotline or by e-mail (both listed below) Further information: website: www.ecounesco.ie Rachel Kavanagh, ECO UNESCO 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2 tel: 01.662 5491 fax: 01.662 5493 e-mail: [email protected] Wild Saturdays ag ENFO! Is gearr gur Wild Saturdays a bheidh i gceist le Sathairn ENFO a bhuíochas sin don tionscadal is deireanaí ón Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Chomhshaoil (NEEC). Is comhthionscadal é Wild Saturdays idir an NEEC agus ENFO agus tá tacaíocht á fháil aige ó Chiste Comhpháirtíochta Comshaoil Chlár Áitiúil 21. Is acmhainn iontach é ENFO do dhaoine ar mian leo breis eolais a fháil ar an gcomhshaol. Déanann sé freastal freisin ar ghrúpaí comhshaoil ar mian leo bualadh le chéile agus smaointe a mhalartú le chéile agus obair le chéile ar thionscadail.Tá sé beartaithe go ndeanfaidh Wild Saturdays leathnú breise ar sheirbhísí ENFO trí sheisiúin idirghníomhacha a reachtáil ar oideachas comhshaoil Satharn amháin den mhí ag tosú ag tús Dheireadh Fómhair 2004 Ar dtús is do leanaí idir 3-12 bliana d’aois a chuirfear seisiúin ar fáil ach tá seisiúin do dhéagóirí á bpleanáil freisin. Tabharfar tosaíocht do ghrúpaí ó cheantair lár cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath ach tá fáilte roimh gach duine iarratas a dhéanamh. Áireofar ar ghníomhaíochtaí: • • • • • Seisiúin bheo faoi fheithidí éicealaín treodóireacht faoi dhian pionna-fheithidí, agus an Cluiche Bruscair. Is féidir breis eolais a fháil ar sheisiúin Wild Saturdays ach teagmháil a dhéanamh leis an gcomhordaitheoir tionscadail Billy Flynn ag [email protected] nó ag an seoladh thíos. Ba mhian leis an NEEC buíochas a ghlacadh le ENFO, an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil as a tacaíocht don tionscnamh seo agus go háirithe Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath. Is eagraíocht neamhbhrabúis oideachais chomhshaoil é an NEEC ag Coill Chnoc Since a bhfuil stádas carthanach aici agus a fhaigheann tacaíocht ó Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Bhaile Átha Cliath, ón tSeirbhís Fiadhúlra agus Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus ó FÁS. Tuilleadh eolais: Láithreán gréasáin: www.knocksinkwood.org Coill Chnoc Since, Áth na Sceire, Co. Chill Mhantáin teil: 01.286 6609 faics: 01.286 6610 ríomhphost: [email protected] 4 1. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Wild Saturdays at ENFO! Saturdays in ENFO are soon going to be wild affairs thanks to the latest project from the National Environmental Education Centre (NEEC).Wild Saturdays is a joint project between the NEEC and ENFO, and is supported by the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. ENFO is a resource for those of all ages who seek further information on our environment. It also serves as a venue for many environmental groups to meet, exchange ideas and work on projects.Wild Saturdays has been planned to expand ENFO services even further by hosting interactive sessions on environmental education on one Saturday per month, beginning in October 2004. The project will initially offer sessions for 3 - 12 year-olds but sessions for teenagers are also being planned. Priority will be given to groups from Dublin’s inner-city areas but all are welcome to apply.Activities will include: • • • • • live creepy crawly sessions eco-art indoor orienteering pin-bugs, and the Trash Game. Further information on Wild Saturdays sessions is available by contacting the project co-ordinator Billy Flynn at [email protected], or at the address below.The NEEC gratefully acknowledges the support of ENFO, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and especially Dublin City Council in this initiative. The NEEC at Knocksink Wood is a not-for-profit, environmental education organisation with charitable status, supported by the Dublin Institute of Technology, National Parks and Wildlife Service and FÁS. Further information: website: www.knocksinkwood.org Knocksink Wood, Enniskerry, Co.Wicklow tel: 01.286 6609 fax: 01.286 6610 e-mail: [email protected] The Green Box On 16 May, 2003, a document entitled “The Green Box- Ireland’s First Area-Based Integrated Ecotourism Plan” was launched at the Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co. Leitrim.The document was a response to the call from the UN’s Commission on Sustainable Development to undertake activities supportive of the United nations International Year of Ecotourism (IYE). The Green Box covers counties Leitrim and Fermanagh (excluding Enniskillen and Carrick-on-Shannon) and part of west Cavan, north Sligo and south Donegal.The aim is that it will develop and support a co-operative network of ecotourism businesses on both sides of the border.Work has been progressing at a steady pace with the development of various working groups. 5 1. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS With the support and backing of the Western Development Tourism Programme and the Organic Centre, funding has been secured to start the implementation of a strategic plan including: • development and implementation of eco-tourism standards and certification • a network of producers, and • various other tourism and community related programmes Tips for Waste Prevention Avoid disposable packaging - why not use reusable containers for school lunches? Buy loose fruit and veg instead of pre - packed Ask if you can leave packaging behind when buying electrical appliances Further information: website: www.greenbox.ie Seán Conlan, CE(designate) of the Green Box, Manorhamilton Castle, Co Leitrim tel: 071. 985 6898 mobile: 087. 244 8781 e-mail: [email protected] Revision of ISO 14001 and 14004 ISO 14001, Environmental Management Systems- Specification with guidance for use, and ISO 14004, Environmental Management Systems - General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques, were published together in 1996. Whilst ISO 14001 sets out the requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS), ISO 14004 is intended as an aid to users of ISO 14001 to help them establish an EMS. ISO published standards must be reviewed every five years to ensure they are still necessary and relevant.The review process determines whether the standards are still satisfactory and can be confirmed for a further period, are no longer necessary in which case they can be cancelled/withdrawn, or that they need to be amended or revised to ensure they meet the ongoing needs of users. The review of ISO 14001 and 14004 began in 2000 and is now nearing completion. Both standards which have gone through several revisions were circulated for ballot as Final Draft International Standards (FDIS) in August 2004. The ballot closed on the 12th October 2004 and it is hoped that the revised versions of both standards will be published before the end of 2004. The main changes to ISO 14001:1996 can be summarised as follows: • an explanation of “plan, do check, act” has been added to Figure 1 closely modelled on that in ISO 9000:2000. • six new definitions have been added and several have been changed to improve clarity • there is now an explicit requirement to define the scope of the EMS and to then include all activities, products and services that are within the scope within the system • the requirements for legal and other requirements have been clarified • it is now clearer that significant environmental aspects are to be taken into account when developing, implementing and maintaining the EMS • the reason for identifying and having access to legal and other requirements is now clearly stated • the sub-clause on Programmes has been absorbed into that dealing with Objectives and Targets and the text has been modified to clarify the intent and purpose of the requirement. Further information: Dr. Patrick Hayes, Standards Development Department, NSAI,The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick tel: 061.41 1872 fax: 061.41 1874 e-mail: [email protected] 6 2. WATER QUALITY Na Rialacháin um Chóireáil Fuíolluisce Uirbigh (Leasú), 2004 An 15 Iúil, 2004, rinne an tUasal Martin Cullen,T.D., An tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil na Rialacháin um Chóireáil Fuíolluisce Uirbigh (Leasú) 2004 (I.R. Uimh. 440 de 2004) a leasaíonn na Rialacháin um Chóireáil Fuíolluisce Uirbigh, 2001. Leasaíonn na Rialacháin sin na Rialacháin a bhí ann roimhe sin go príomha trí dhá cheantar breise a ainmniú i gCuan Chorcaí mar cheantair íogaireacha chun críocha cóireála fuíolluisce uirbigh. Is iad na limistéir uisce lena mbaineann ná Inbhear na Laoi/Loch Machan agus Inbhear Abhainn na Corra/An Cainéal Thuaidh.Tá na limistéir uisce sin aitheanta ag an nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil mar limistéir atá bheith eotrófach nó a d’fhéadfadh a bheith eotrófach de bharr iomarca ionchur cothaitheach (fosfar/nítrigin). D’ainmnigh Rialacháin a rinneadh i 1994 deich limistéar uisce (réimsí abhann agus locha) mar limistéir íogaireacha. Ainmníodh 30 limistéar uisce (réimsí abhann, locha agus inbhir) breise i 2001. Is é an tionchar a bheidh ag an ainmniú sin go ginéarálta ná go mbeadh gá le saoráidí asbhainte cothaithaithe (cóireáil threasach mar a thugtar air freisin) maidir le scaoileadh amach in uiscí den sórt sin ó mhonarchana móra cóireála múnlaí. Tuilleadh eolais: Lisa Clifford, An Rannóg Caighdeán Uisce teil: 01.888 2468 faics: 01.888 2400 ríomhphost: [email protected] Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations, 2004 On 15 July, 2004, Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations, 2004 (S.I. No. 440 of 2004), which amend the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 254 of 2001). These Regulations amend the earlier Regulations primarily by designating two additional areas in Cork Harbour as sensitive areas for the purposes of urban waste water treatment. The water bodies concerned are Lee Estuary/Lough Mahon and Owennacurra Estuary/North Channel. These water bodies have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as being eutrophic or potentially eutrophic due to excessive inputs of nutrients (phosphorus/nitrogen). Ten water bodies (river stretches and lakes) were designated as sensitive by Regulations made in 1994. A further 30 water bodies (river stretches, lakes and estuaries) were designated in 2001. The effect of designation is generally to require the provision of nutrient removal facilities (also known as tertiary treatment) in relation to discharges into such waters from large sewage treatment plants. Further Information: Lisa Clifford,Water Quality Section tel: 01.888 2468 fax: 01.888 2400 e-mail: [email protected] 7 3. AIR QUALITY, ENERGY & NUCLEAR SAFETY MATTERS Planning Guidelines on Wind Energy Development On 4 August, 2004, Mr. Martin Cullen, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government published revised Draft Planning Guidelines on Wind Energy Development. The Guidelines when finalised will support international, EU and national government policy in relation to renewable energy and to guarantee a consistency of approach throughout the country to the treatment of planning applications for wind farm developments in line with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. Photomontages of wind farms in various types of landscapes are included in the Guidelines to show how factors such as siting and location, spatial extent and scale, cumulative effect, spacing, layout and height of turbines can be best applied within different landscape types.The geological impact of the development of wind energy projects is addressed in the draft guidelines and advice is offered on how planning authorities can ensure that adverse occurrences are avoided. A copy of the draft Guidelines is available on the Department’s website at www.environ.ie. Submissions on the draft Guidelines received before 30 September 2004 will be considered before a final version of the Guidelines is issued. Further information: Declan Bourke / Ann Ring, Planning Section tel: 01.888 2557 / 2823 fax: 01.888 2692 e-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] Sustainable Energy Awards On 8 July, 2004,The Sustainable Energy Awards, organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland and sponsored by ESB Customer Supply, were launched for the first time.The Awards are intended to encourage, recognise and reward excellence in energy management in the industrial, commercial and public sectors.The deadline for nominations was the end of August and there were over 200 entries.The competition is set for a successful start to what will be an annual awards scheme. The awards will focus on companies who demonstrate a commitment to introduce energy management as an integral part of the operation of their business. It will provide such companies with an opportunity to gain public recognition for their achievements in reducing energy use and emissions.The Sustainable Energy Awards is the only awards scheme recognising best practice in energy performance, management and design.With increasing fuel prices, and the future cost impact of environmental instruments such as emissions trading and carbon tax, there has never been a greater incentive for firms to improve their efficiency. Controlling and reducing energy costs through effective energy management will be a key source of competitiveness for large energy users in the future. The Sustainable Energy Awards Scheme consists of eighteen awards, granted across seven categories: • • • • • • • Coordinated Energy Management Programme Electrical Energy Project Thermal Energy Project Energy Awareness Campaign Energy Service or Supply Company Excellence in Design or Specification, and Energy Manager The winners will be announced in November. Further information: website: www.sei.ie/awards Sustainable Energy Ireland, Renewable Energy Information Office, Shinagh House, Bandon, Co. Cork tel: 023.421 93 fax: 023.291 54 e-mail: [email protected] 8 3. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 AIR QUALITY, ENERGY & NUCLEAR SAFETY MATTERS Proposed Directive on ship-source pollution On 11 June, 2004, the EU Maritime Transport Ministers met in Council under the chairmanship of Mr. Dermot Ahern,TD, Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and reached political agreement on a common position on the Draft Directive. The Draft Directive is one of a number of initiatives undertaken following the Prestige disaster off the coast of Spain in November 2002, the main principle of it being that all discharges of polluting substances are considered as infringements if they are committed with intent, recklessly or by serious negligence. Member States are allowed to take the necessary measures to ensure that these infringements are subject to effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, which may include criminal or administrative sanctions. Exceptions provided for are in line with The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), when a discharge is made in order to save lives or the ship itself. It was important for many Member States including Ireland that they retain the discretion in accordance with their own Code of Law to introduce criminal sanctions.A parallel proposal for a Framework Decision of the Council to strengthen the criminal law framework for the enforcement of the law against ship pollution is being examined by EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers. Further information: Lorraine Dobson, Co-ordination Unit, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Leeson Lane, Dublin 2 tel: 01. 678 2910 fax: 01. 678 2649 e-mail: [email protected] Radon Gas Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas is colourless and odourless. It is formed in the ground by the radioactive decay of uranium, which is present in small quantities in rocks and soils.When it surfaces in the open air, it is quickly diluted to harmless concentrations but when it enters an enclosed space it can sometimes reach unacceptably high concentrations. Radon produces radioactive particles that, when inhaled, give a radiation dose which may damage cells in the lung.There is strong evidence from epidemiological and animal studies that long-term exposure to high levels of radon can be a contributory factor in increasing the risk of lung cancer.This risk is significantly higher among smokers than non-smokers. In 1990, the Government adopted an annual average radon gas concentration of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) as the national Reference Level above which remedial action to reduce the indoor radon level in a dwelling should be considered. Since July 1998, all new dwellings and long stay buildings are required to incorporate some degree of radon preventive measures at the time of construction in accordance with the 1997 upgraded Building Regulations.The degree of protection required is dependent upon whether or not the site is located within a High Radon Area which is an area where RPII estimate that 10% or more of existing houses have radon concentrations in excess of 200 Bq/m3. Based on the findings of a nationwide survey of some 11,000 domestic dwellings carried out during the 1990’s, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) estimates that approximately 91,000 houses in Ireland, or 7% of the total housing stock in the country, have radon concentrations levels in excess of the national Reference Level. The RPII has actively encouraged householders in those areas designated as High Radon Areas to have their homes measured for radon and where radon levels exceed the Reference Level have advised that appropriate radon remediation works should be undertaken. A prediction map of radon in irish dwellings can be found on the RPII website www.rpii.ie Householders wishing to have a radon measurement carried out can contact the RPII or another radon measurement service provider.The householder receives two small detectors. One detector is placed in an occupied bedroom, the other in a living area.A three month measurement period is recommended as radon levels can vary considerably from day to day due to changes in weather conditions, ventilation, building usage, etc.The detectors are then sent back to the radon measurement provider for analysis.The cost of a radon measurement service is €40. The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s publication, Radon in Existing Buildings - Corrective Options, gives information to building designers and householders about measures they can take to reduce high radon levels. This publication is available on the Department’s website www.environ.ie and is also available from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2,Telephone 01. 647 6000 - price €5 plus postage. 9 3. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 AIR QUALITY, ENERGY & NUCLEAR SAFETY MATTERS A new edition of Technical Guidance Document C (TGD-C) on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) will be published shortly incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. Further information on radon and a list of approved radon measurement service providers can be obtained from the RPII website. Tips for Waste Prevention Recycle jars not just bottles Further information: Mary Downes, Nuclear Safety Section tel: 01. 888 2957 fax: 01. 888 2956 e-mail: [email protected] EPA National Allocation Plan for Emissions Trading On 30 September, 2004,The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an updated National Allocation Plan (NAP) for a second round of public consultation.This focused on the changes occurring since the first consultation. Ireland’s NAP indicates the basis on which it is proposed to allocate allowances to the participants in the scheme for each of the three years of the pilot phase, 20052007. Emissions Trading is due to commence across all 25 EU member states on 1 January 2005. The plan has already undergone an earlier public consultation prior to its submission to the EU Commission on March 31, 2004 and subsequent approval on July 7, 2004.The emphasis in this second public consultation is on the changes which have occurred since the first consultation.These changes have arisen as a result of: • submissions made during the first public consultation • a reduction in the overall allocation for emissions trading agreed by Government in July • the EPA’s decision to change the reallocation of unrequired allowances • alterations to the baseline data as a result of the verification process carried out by EPA in recent months, and • further clarifications and improvements of the NAP text. The draft plan is available on the EPA website at: www.epa.ie/Licensing/EmissionsTrading/NationalAllocationPlan/ www.epa.ie/emissionstrading/NAPConsultation/ Further information: Niamh Leahy, Media Relations Office EPA Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co.Wexford tel: 053. 70 770 (24 hours) fax: 053. 60 600 e-mail: [email protected] 10 3. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 AIR QUALITY, ENERGY & NUCLEAR SAFETY MATTERS Lá Saor ó Charranna 2004 An 22 Meán Fómhair, 2004, bhí Éirinn rannpháirteach don cúigiú bliain as a chéile i Lá Saor ó Charranna Bliantúil na hEorpa. Féachann Lá Saor ó Charranna na hEorpa cur leis an bhfeasacht ar na drochthionchair a bhíonn ag truailliú aeir agus torainn mar thoradh ar an méadú ar thrácht bóthair i dtimpeallachtaí uirbeacha. Spreagann imeachtaí ar an lá sin úsáid iompar poiblí agus bealaí eile iompair agus féachtar leis an mbuntáiste comhshaoil a bhaineann le laghdú tráchta a léiriú do bhailte agus do chathracha I mbliana d’eagraigh údaráis áitiúla imeachtaí i 20 mórbhaile agus cathair i gcomparáid le 17 baile agus cathair i 2003 agus 5 mhórbhaile agus cathair i 2000. B’iad na 20 cathair agus baile a ghlac páirt in Éirinn i mbliana ná Baile Brigín, Baile Bhlainséir, Cloich na Coillte,An Clár, Corcaigh, Baile Átha Cliath, Dún Garbhán, Gaillimh, Cill Chainnigh, Contae agus Cathair Luimnigh,An Uaimh, Port Mearnóg, Port Reachrann, Sligeach,Trá Lí,Tulach Mhór, Port Láirge, Cathair na Mart agus Cill Mhantáin. Rinne an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil, Fuinneamh Inmharthana Éireann (SEI) agus an Roinn Iompair comhordú náisiúnta ar rannpháirtíocht na hÉireann. Dhírigh Lá Saor ó Charranna na bliana seo ar rannpháirtíocht scoileanna ag teacht le téama Lá Saor ó Charranna an AE “Sráideanna Sábháilte do Leanaí”. B’údar misnigh an freagra a fuarthas ó scoileanna anuraidh agus chuir imeacht na bliana seo leis sin.Tugadh isteach Gradaim Rannpháirtíochta do Scoileanna chun rannpháirtíocht a spreagadh agus bhuaigh Scoil Náisiúnta Cailíní an Spiorad Naomh, Baile Muna, Baile Átha Cliath an chéad duais de €3,000. Bronnadh dhá ghradam eile de €1,000 ar Scoil Mhuire Banríon na hÉireann, Cathair Dháibhín, Co. Luimnigh agus ar Scoil Náisiúnta Ráth Tó, Ráth Tó, Co. na Mí. Bronnadh na gradaim ar bhonn chruthaitheacht agus núálacht na ngníomhaíochtaí, agus chomh mór agus a bhí rannpháirtíocht ó chomhpháirtithe seachtracha. Chuidigh an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta leis na gradaim a thabhairt isteach ag cur gach scoil bunoideachais sa tír ar an eolas maidir leis an tionscnamh seo. Ceann de na príomhaidhmeanna a bhí le Lá Saor ó Charranna ná díospóireacht a spreagadh maidir le bealaí iompair inbhuanaithe agus réimsí a aithint ar féidir dul chun cinn a dhéanamh iontu. D’éirigh leis an imeacht aird náisiúnta a tharraingt ar na saincheisteanna sin. Is comhartha maith don todhchaí é chomh fonnmhar is a bhí scoileanna agus leanaí. Tuilleadh eolais: John McDermott, An Rannóg Aeir/Aeráide, teil: 01. 888 2373 faics: 01. 888 2014 ríomhphost: [email protected] 11 3. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 AIR QUALITY, ENERGY & NUCLEAR SAFETY MATTERS At the Waterford launch of Car Free Day 2004, left - right: Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D.; Minister for he Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Pupils of St. Ursula’s Primary School,Waterford and Mr. Seamus Ryan; Lord Mayor of Waterford City. Car Free Day 2004 On 22 September, 2004, Ireland participated for the fifth successive year in the annual European Car Free Day. European Car Free Day aims to increase public awareness of the adverse effects of air and noise pollution caused by increasing road traffic in urban environments. Events held on the day encourage the use of public transport and alternative forms of transport and attempt to showcase towns and cities in a more convivial environment of reduced traffic. This year local authorities organised events in 20 major towns and cities, compared to 17 towns and cities in 2003 and 5 major towns and cities in 2000.The 20 Irish cities and towns taking part this year were, Balbriggan, Blanchardstown, Clonakilty, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Dungarvan, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick City and Limerick county, Navan, Portmarnock, Portrane, Sligo, Tralee,Tullamore,Waterford,Westport and Wicklow. Ireland’s participation was co-ordinated nationally by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local government, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), and the Department of Transport. A focus of this year’s Car Free Day was the involvement of schools in line with the EU theme for Car Free Day “Safe Streets for Children”. Last years response from schools was particularly encouraging and this year’s event built upon that. National Participation Awards for Schools were introduced to encourage participation and reward efforts with a first prize of €3000 going to Holy Spirit Girls National School, Ballymun, Dublin.Two runners up prizes of €1000 went to Mary Queen of Ireland School, Caherdavin, Co. Limerick and Ratoath National School, Ratoath Co. Meath.The awards were judged on the creativity and innovation of the activities, the scale of participation and the involvement of external partners.The Department of Education and Science assisted in the introduction of the awards informing all primary schools in the country of this initiative. One of the main aims of Car Free Day is to encourage debate on the use of sustainable modes of transport and identify areas where progress can be achieved.The event has been successful in putting the issues firmly in the national spotlight.The ongoing enthusiasm of schools and children augurs well for the future. Further information: John McDermott, Air/Climate Section, tel: 01. 888 2373 fax: 01. 888 2014 e-mail: [email protected] 12 4. PLANNING Higher Insulation Standards for Non-Residential Buildings On 21 July, 2004, Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D., Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government published draft proposals to upgrade the thermal performance and insulation standards for non-residential buildings.A consultation process has been established for public/industry comment on the proposals, which ends on Friday 29 October 2004. Commenting on the proposed new standards, which are scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2005, Minister Cullen said the proposals would assist Ireland’s climate change strategy and help us meet our Kyoto obligations. The proposed amendment of Part L2 of the national Building Regulations relating to buildings other than dwellings, follows the introduction of improved thermal performance and insulation standards for new dwellings, introduced by the Minister on 1 January 2003; and for replacement external doors, windows, and roof-lights (roof windows) in existing dwellings on 1 July 2003. It is estimated that the new standards will reduce building energy requirement and give a reduction in CO2 emissions by a further 100,000 tonnes per annum nationally by 2012.This is in addition to the estimated reduction resulting from the higher insulation standards from dwellings of more than 300,000 tonnes per annum for 2012.This is broadly in line with projections for improved Building Regulations in the National Climate Change Strategy published in 2000. A substantial improvement in energy conservation in buildings is essential if Ireland is to meet its obligations to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol.About 40% of CO2 emissions are attributable to energy used in the heating, cooling, and lighting of buildings. Since energy use in buildings is a major part of the greenhouse gas problem, energy conservation in buildings must be an integral part of the solution. Copies of the consultation documents are available from the Building Standards/ Environmental Assessment Section and on the Department’s website at: www.environ.ie Submissions on the consultation documents must be made in writing or by e-mail on or before Friday 29 October 2004. Further information: Aidan Smith, Building Standards/Environmental Assessment Section tel: 01.888 2371/ 2551 fax: 01.888 2693 e-mail: aidan_smith@environ. ie Dréacht-Threoirlínte ar Thithíocht Tuaithe Inbhuanaithe Chuir Comhar moltaí faoi bhráid na Roinne Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil le déanaí maidir le DréachtThreoirlínte ar Thithíocht Tuaithe Inbhuanaithe. Dúradh sna moltaí cé go n-aithníonn Comhar go bhfuil soláthar tithíocht inacmhainne riachtanach chun cothabháil a dhéanamh ar phobail tuaithe agus tacú leo, go bhfuil imní ar chomhaltaí de bharr ardú a bheith tagtha ar líon na dtithe aonair faoin tuath. Meastar go bhfuil sé sin i gcoinne Phrionsabail Forbartha Inbhuanaithe Chomhar. Aithníodh roinnt saincheisteanna a gcaithfear aghaidh a thabhairt orthu a bheidh mar bhun do lonnaíocht inbhuanaithe i gceantair tuaithe. • an gaol atá ag athrú idir ceantair uirbeach agus tuaithe; níl an t-idirdhealú traidisiúnta a bhíodh idir “uirbeach” agus “tuaithe” bailí níos mó de bharr athrú a bheith tagtha ar an bpatrún lonnaíochta agus mar gheall ar an ráta suntasach tógáil títhe le 30 bliain anuas. • an gá atá le saincheisteanna difriúla a dhí-chomhbhailiú; m.sh. tírdhreach, pobal, bochtaineacht, saincheisteanna úinéireachta,etc. • an fáil ar thalamh do thithíocht agus inacmhainneachta; cé gur féidir talamh a chriosú d’fhorbairt chónaitheach ní gá go mbeadh sé ar fáil le díol. • tá bearta riachtanach chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar eisiamh sóisialta; • is fachtóirí tábhachtacha iad patrúin úinéireachta agus tionacht talún; caithfear breithniú a dhéanamh ar an bhféidearthacht d’idirghabháil fhioscach chun riachtanais an mhargaidh a spreagadh • an cineál tithíochta a bhíonn á thógáil chomh maith le ról sráidbhailte tuaithe; agus 13 4. • ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 59 PLANNING tá saincheist na teanga tábhachtach chun tuiscint choiteann a fhorbairt ar shaincheisteanna; m.sh.“ginte go huirbeach” agus “ginte faoin tuath” Tá tuairimí sainiúla Chomhar maidir leis an téacs sna dréacht-threoirlínte le fáil ar an láithreán gréasáin: www.comhar-nsdp.ie Tuilleadh eolais: láithreán gréasáin: www.comhar-nsdp.ie Marie Hughes, Rúnaíocht Chomhar, 17 Sráid Aindréas, Baile Átha Cliath 2 teil: 01. 888 3992 faics: 01. 888 3999 ríomhphost: [email protected] Draft Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing Comhar recently submitted recommendations to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on Draft Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing.The recommendations pointed out that while Comhar recognises that the provision of affordable rural housing is necessary to maintain and support rural communities, members are concerned at the proliferation of one-off housing in the countryside.This is considered to be contrary to Comhar’s Principles of Sustainable Development. A number of issues that need to be addressed to underpin sustainable settlement in rural areas were identified : • the changing relationships between urban and rural areas in that the traditional distinction between “urban” and “rural” is no longer valid given the change in settlement pattern and the significant rate of house-building over the last 30 years • the need to dis-aggregate the different issues, e.g. landscape, community, poverty, ownership issues, etc. • the availability of land for housing and affordability, while land may be zoned for residential development it is not necessarily available for sale • measures are needed to address social exclusion • ownership patterns and land tenure are important factors, the possibility of fiscal intervention to stimulate the market needs to be considered • the type of housing being built as well as the role of rural villages, and • the issue of language is important to developing a common understanding of the issues, e.g.“urban-generated” and “ruralgenerated” Comhar’s specific comments on the text of the draft guidelines are available on the website: www.comhar-nsdp.ie Further information: website: www.comhar-nsdp.ie Marie Hughes, Comhar Secretariat, 17 St. Andrew St., Dublin 2 tel: 01.888 3992 fax: 01.888 3999 e-mail: [email protected] 14 4. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 59 PLANNING Draft Guidelines for Regional and Planning Authorities on Strategic Environmental Assessment Comhar recently submitted recommendations to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on Draft Guidelines for Regional and Planning Authorities on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).The key recommendations are: • SEA should be mandatory for all Development Plans and Local Area Plans including those for towns or areas with a population of fewer than 10,000 • regarding Article 3(5) and Annex II of the Directive, the draft guidelines suggest the plan-making authority must make its best professional judgement as to whether SEA should be undertaken, in cases of doubt the regulations should state that SEA should be undertaken, in compliance with the precautionary principle • the role of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government needs to be stated more broadly in the context of the designation of Environmental Authorities, e.g. climate change and energy scarcity • greater emphasis should be placed on the need to ensure complete integration between the plan under preparation and the environmental report - it should be an integral part of plan preparation, and • more explicit reference to Comhar’s Principles for Sustainable Development. Comhar’s detailed comments are available on the Comhar website: www.comhar-nsdp.ie Further Information: website: www.comhar-nsdp.ie Marie Hughes, Comhar Secretariat, 17 St. Andrew St., Dublin 2 tel: 01.888 3992 fax: 01.888 3999 e-mail: [email protected] 15 5. NATURAL & BUILT HERITAGE Lá na gCrann 2004 An 14 Deireadh Fómhair, 2004, d’eagraigh Comhairle Crann na hÉireann an t-ochtú Lá na gCrann in Éirinn, le tacaíocht ón Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta. Bhí 450,000 leanbh bunscoile ar fud na hÉireann rannpháirteach san imeacht a bhí urraithe ag ENFO, ag an tSeirbhís Foraoiseachta, ag an Roinn Talmhaíochta agus Bia agus ag Tetra Pak. Ghlac os cionn 100,000 leanbh páirt i siúlóidí coillearnaigh treoraithe ag os cionn 120 ionad ar fud na tíre a thionóil Coillte,An tSeirbhís Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra de chuid na Roinne Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil, Seirbhísí Oidhreachta agus Údaráis Áitiúla Bhaile Átha Cliath. Is é an aidhm atá le Lá na gCrann ná taithí foghlama a chruthú a chinnteoidh go mbeidh ocht lá iomlán ag gach mic léinn bunscoile ina mbeidh a n-aird dírithe go hiomlán ar chrainn agus go mbeadh eolas, tuiscint agus meas acu ar chrainn agus ar an gcomhshaol níos leithne, sula leanfaidh siad ar aghaidh chuig an meánscoil. Seoladh póstaer a léiríonn na húsáidí éagsúla a bhaintear as adhmad, téama na bliana seo, chuig gach scoil. Léiríonn an mana, ‘100 bliain, 100 úsáid’, Comóradh céad bliain d’fhoraoiseacht na hÉireann i mbliana agus na húsáidí éagsúla is féidir a bhaint as adhmad. Tuilleadh eolas: John Mc Loughlin, Stiúrthóir Feidhmeannach, Comhairle Crann na hÉireann Teach Chábán tSíle, An Pháirc, Cábán tSíle, Baile Átha Cliath 18 teil: 01.284 9211 teileafón póca: 086.250 6022 faics: 01.284 9197 Tree Day 2004 On 14 October, 2004, the Tree Council of Ireland organised Ireland’s eighth annual Tree Day, supported by the Department of Education and Science. 450,000 primary school children across Ireland participated in the event sponsored by ENFO,The Forest Service,The Department of Agriculture and Food and Tetra Pak. Over 100,000 children took part in guided woodland walks at over 120 locations around the country hosted by Coillte,The National Parks & Wildlife Service of The Department of the Environment, Heritage and local Government, Heritages Services and the Dublin local authorities. Tree Day aims to create a learning experience ensuring that each primary school student will have eight full days of intensive exposure to trees and will have gained knowledge, understanding and an appreciation for trees and the wider environment, before progressing to secondary school. At the Tree Day 2004 launch, left - right: Marie Keenan;Tetra Pack, Brendan Linehan; ENFO, Mary Keenan; President,Tree Council of Ireland and John Brown; Minister of State, Dept. of Agriculture and Food. 16 5. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 NATURAL & BUILT HERITAGE A poster depicting the many uses of wood, this year’s theme, has been circulated to all schools.The slogan,‘100 years, 100 uses’, reflects the Centenary of Irish forestry this year and the many uses of wood. Further information: John Mc Loughlin, Executive Director, Tree Council of Ireland Cabinteely House,The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 tel: 01.284 9211 mobile: 086.250 6022 fax: 01.284 9197 Protecting Peatlands On 28 July, 2004, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D. announced further proposals continuing the process of protecting a representative sample of our valuable peatlands and conserving our Blanket Bogs.This is in line with the objectives of Ireland’s National Biodiversity Plan.The Minister proposed 73 blanket bogs (the majority of which were in counties Mayo, Galway, and Donegal) as Natural Heritage Areas under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. Blanket bogs are found in areas of high rainfall in the west and on mountain ranges throughout the country.The blanket bog name stems from their appearance, from a distance the bog appear to hug the terrain like a blanket. It has been acknowledged domestically and in the European context that there is an urgent need to conserve representative communities and species living within Ireland’s peatland habitats. Peatlands originally covered more than 17% of Ireland, a higher proportion than any other European country with the exception of Finland.Together with their unique assemblage of plants and animals they are a seriously endangered Western European habitat. Most countries in Europe have exploited the majority of their peat resources for fuel. Ireland is one of the few countries where a wide range of peatlands still exists in a near natural state. The designation of land as a Natural Heritage Area is not intended as an inflexible barrier to all future development. It is important, however, to conserve a representative sample of these ecologically important areas by mitigating potential damaging impacts of peat extraction, afforestation, overgrazing, dumping and drainage.The guiding principle in relation to assessing all development applications should be to maintain designated areas at a favourable conservation status while facilitating sustainable rural development. Except in exceptional circumstances, people will be allowed to continue domestic cutting on their plots for up to 10 years. In this context: • a payment of €600 per annum for the remaining period for which people give up the right to continue cutting, while others are continuing to cut • landowners who sell bog/turbary before end of 2005, will be entitled to €6,000 (on top of purchase price) subject to certain terms and conditions A landowner who does not wish to sell bog/turbary but who commits to cease cutting and to allow drain-blocking will also be entitled to a payment of €600 per annum. After the 10-year cutting period, the Department will review whether there are particular circumstances in which domestic turf-cutting can continue on raised bogs without damaging the bogs. Apart from the raised and blanket bogs, there are about 630 proposed Natural Heritage Areas covering approximately 100,000 ha, which were published on a non-statutory basis in 1995, which have not since been statutorily proposed or designated as nature conservation areas.The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government intend to define criteria for NHA selection and review the 1995 pNHAs and any other known sites which may meet the criteria. Proposals will then be prepared for statutory designation as NHAs of sites which measure up to the criteria.The designated raised and blanket bogs are listed at Appendix 2. Further information: Brendan Mahon, National Parks & Wildlife, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2. tel: 01.647 2361 fax: 01.662 0283 e-mail: [email protected] 17 6. WASTE MANAGEMENT Protection of the Environment Act 2003 On 29 June, 2004, Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government signed The Protection of the Environment Act 2003 (Commencement Order), completing the process of bringing the Act’s provisions into effect. On the same day, the Environmental Protection Agency (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, and the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 were also signed by the Minister.The principal changes introduced by this legislation package, which is effective from 12 July 2004, are as follows: IPPC (Integrated Pollution, Prevention & Control) Licensing The EPA’s system for integrated licensing of activities with significant potential for pollution has been in operation since 1994 and delivered substantial compliance with the EU’s 1996 IPPC Directive. Nonetheless, important improvements to the system are now being introduced, including: • greater emphasis on pollution prevention in the licensing system and on minimising environmental problems at source • a change in the technical basis of the licensing system from best available technology not entailing excessive costs (BATNEEC) to best available techniques (BAT) • increased emphasis on energy efficiency in the carrying out of activities • bringing into the licensing system more activities in areas such as intensive agriculture, the treatment and processing of milk, the slaughter of cattle, food production, and the production of paper, pulp or board, and • requiring an applicant to be a "fit and proper person" as defined in the 2003 Act, and possessing the technical and financial capacity to carry on the business to which the licence relates. Waste Changes to waste licensing introduced on foot of the Environment Act 2003 will mean that waste licences will now be issued on the basis of best available technology (BAT) rather than BATNEEC.The higher level of protection for the environment implied by the use of BAT will have an immediate impact on further reducing emissions from future waste facilities and will ensure,insofar as waste licensing is concerned, that Ireland is in compliance with the EU IPPC Directive. Other changes to the waste licensing system, involve: • provision of additional data by applicants to ensure greater transparency • requirement for the EPA to consider additional issues such as energy efficiency when deciding on waste licence applications, and • new powers to suspend/revoke a waste licence where the waste holder is no longer a "fit and proper person". 18 6. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 WASTE MANAGEMENT End of life vehicles The Commencement Order also enables the Minister to make Regulations fully transposing and facilitating the implementation of EU Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The implementation of the Directive will have significant environmental and social benefits by ensuring the environmentally sound treatment and recovery of a problematic waste stream, incorporating high levels of recycling of vehicle materials. As required by the Directive, such Regulations will enable the last owners of ELVs that come within the scope of the Directive to deposit their vehicles free of charge at authorised treatment facilities for appropriate treatment and recovery.The Regulations will further require authorised treatment facilities to comply with detailed minimum requirements in relation to the environmentally sound treatment and recovery of ELVs, as outlined in the Directive. Further information: IPPC Ronnie Devlin, Environment Policy tel: 01.888 2086 fax: 01.888 2691 e-mail: [email protected] Waste Jason Kearney,Waste Infrastructure & Regulation tel: 01.888 2610 fax: 01.888 2014 e-mail: [email protected] End of Life Vehicles Terry Sheridan,Waste Prevention & Recovery Unit tel: 01.888 2440 fax: 01.888 2994 e-mail: [email protected] Litter Pollution Act 2003 Since 1997, with the introduction of the Litter Pollution Act, local authority performance on enforcement of the litter laws has significantly improved, with more litter wardens employed and substantial increases in the number of prosecutions taken and on-the-spot fines issued annually. Details of the enforcement action from 1997 to 2003 are set out in the following Table. 2003 €69 million 2002 €65 million 2001 €60 million 2000 €51 million Annual local authority expenditure on their street cleansing and litter warden services has also increased substantially in the years since the introduction of the 1997 Act: 1999 €41 million 1998 €34 million The following improvements in the period 1997 to 2003 should be noted: 1997 €25 million • the number of litter wardens employed annually in this period has increased - almost trebled - to 399 • the number of prosecutions annually increased almost sevenfold, and • the number of on-the-spot fines levied annually also increased very significantly - over sixfold - to over 21,900 Overall, the above statistics indicate that local authorities are taking a more pro-active approach to combating litter pollution. Further Litter Enforcement Statistics are listed in Appendix 3. Further information: Joan Callaghan, Anti-Litter Unit tel: 01.888 2060 fax: 01.888 2691 e-mail: [email protected] 19 6. Wardens Full Part-time 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 45 61 77 82 98 129 114 93 145 210 232 267 277 285 ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 WASTE MANAGEMENT Prosecutions 330 903 1505 2,278 1,868 2,187 2,276 Convictions 220 397 641 793 604 678 815 On-the-spot fines Issued Paid 3,258 7,563 25,006 28,654 27,921 25,241 21,940 1,649 3,463 12,071 12,644 12,490 11,744 10,816 Progress of the All-Island Fridge Freezer Scheme Since the introduction of the all-island fridges and fridge freezers recycling scheme in February, 2004, over 42,000 waste domestic fridges and freezers have been collected and sent for recycling. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) and, the Department of the Environment (DoE), Northern Ireland, under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council in co-operation with district councils and local authorities north and south, developed an all-island contract for the management of domestic waste fridges and freezers in an environmentally sound manner. The initiative was developed against the background of new EU Regulations on ozone depleting substances, which prohibit waste fridges and freezers going to landfill. In all 31 local authorities and 26 district councils are participating in the scheme which will run until 12 August 2005, the day prior to the implementation of the EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). From 13 August 2005, district councils and local authorities will no longer have responsibility for the collection and treatment of waste fridges.At that point responsibility for disposal of WEEE including waste fridges will transfer to producers. Funding for the management of waste fridges and freezers in the South will be provided from the Environment Fund. In order to qualify for funding, local authorities must ensure free access to civic amenity sites for the receipt of fridges and freezers from householders and take active steps to promote the availability of the service. Further information: Sharonne O’Reilly,Waste Prevention and Recovery tel: 01.888 2768 fax: 01.888 2994 e-mail: [email protected] Market Development Group On 4 July, 2004, Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D., the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced the establishment of a new recycling Market Development Group.The Group has been set up to develop and drive a Market Development Programme aimed at realising the full resource value of all reclaimed recyclable material and developing innovative outlets to use and obtain optimum value for what we recycle. The Market Development Group, which held its inaugural meeting on 22nd July 2004, is a focussed group comprising representatives of relevant private and public sector interests - see Appendix 4.The Market Development Programme will initially focus on those materials and markets likely to yield early and substantial success. It will aim to identify new applications and markets for recyclables and secondary recycled products. The Group will build upon the research work already carried out by the Clean Technology Centre in their Study on the Development of Markets for Recyclables recovered from the municipal waste stream - A Strategy for Recycling Markets in Ireland. In support of these key tasks, the Group will also carry out the following: • evaluation of international research in relation to market development, and identification of research gaps from an Irish perspective • advising on the financing and commissioning of Research & Development and Demonstration Projects in relation to remanufacturing and markets for recyclables, and dissemination of results 20 6. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 WASTE MANAGEMENT • development of best practice guides for business and industry • provision of technical, engineering and financial advice and assistance to industry to facilitate new and innovative uses for recyclate, including through voluntary recycled content agreements • evaluation of ongoing EPA projects on outlets for recycled materials and compost from municipal waste • evaluation of the potential for the adoption of targets for minimum recycled contents in locally manufactured products, in co-operation with the relevant organisations • identification of specific requirements necessary to facilitate the extensive implementation of "green procurement" procedures in the public and private sectors, and • development of Waste Exchanges to stimulate a demand for discarded materials that have the potential to be recycled for beneficial re-use. Funding of €1m is being provided in 2004 from the Environment Fund to finance start up costs, research projects etc. Further information: Sharonne O’Reilly,Waste Prevention and Recovery Section tel: 01.888 2768 fax: 01.888 2994 e-mail: [email protected] Glantachán Náisiúnta Earraigh 2004 An 29 Márta, 2004, sheol an tUasal Martin Cullen,T.D.,An tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil an séú Glantachán Náisiúnta Earraigh, an feachtas frithbhruscair is mó in Éirinn. D’éirigh thar cionn leis seo agus bhí os cionn 263,000 oibrí deonach rannpháirteach in os cionn 3,150 imeacht ar fud na tíre. Chuir a mana,‘Bruscar - Is é ár bhfreagracht é’, freagracht comhchoitinn chun cinn dár gceantar áitiúil agus dár gcomhshaol áitiúil. Bailíodh 717 tonna dramhaíola i mbliana. Rinneadh 23% den méid sin nó 164 tonna a athchúrsáil ag Bainc Tabhartha ar fud na tíre, sin ardú 11% ar 2003. Sholáthar Repak málaí dathchódaithe ar leithligh saor in aisce agus chuidigh siad sin go mór leis an mbailiúchán agus le deighilt cannaí in-athchúrsála agus buidéil phlaisteacha. D’éirigh go maith leis an iarracht chun daoine óga a mhealladh chuig an bhfeachtas le scoileanna agus grúpaí óige ag comhdhéanamh tromlach na ngrúpaí cláraithe. Rinneadh ionadaíocht mhaith ar an bpobal gnó i mbliana, agus ar ghrúpaí pobail, ar chumainn áitritheoirí agus ar ghrúpaí de chuid na mBailte Slachtmhara. Tá freagracht ar gach duine maidir le bruscar agus cruthaíonn an leibhéal rannpháirtíochta san fheachtas Glantachán Náisiúnta Earraigh go dteastaíonn ó dhaoine a bheith gníomhach i ndáiríre. Chuidigh an feachtas ardphróifíle agus an clúdach teilifíse, raidió agus preas náisiúnta, le ceist an bhruscair a dhíriú arís in intinn an phobail. Tuilleadh eolais: láithreán gréasáin: www.antaisce.org/projects/nsc.html Oonagh Duggan, Bainisteoir an Ghlantacháin Náisiúnta Earraigh,An Taisce, Halla Tailors,An Lána Cúil, Baile Átha Cliath 8 teil: 01.707 7066 faics: 01.454 1802 ríomhphost: [email protected] National Spring Clean Week 2004 On 29 March, 2004, Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D., Minister for the Environment, Hertiage and Local Government launched the sixth National Spring Clean, Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign.This was a resounding success with over 263,000 volunteers participating in over 3,150 events nationwide.Their slogan,‘Litter - It’s OUR Responsibility’, promoted collective responsibility for our immediate local area and environment. This year, 717 tonnes of waste was collected. 23% of this amount or 164 tonnes, was recycled at Bring Banks around the country, an 11% increase over 2003. Separate colour-coded bags were supplied free of charge by Repak and greatly assisted the collection and segregation of recyclable cans and plastic bottles. The 24th 65th Charleville Cub Scouts, who did a major clean up of the town car park, and areas surrounding the local infant, Primary and Secondary schools and local Old People’s Home. 21 6. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 WASTE MANAGEMENT A drive to attract the youth sector to the campaign was very successful with schools and youth groups comprising the majority of registered groups.The business community was well represented this year, as were community groups, residents associations and tidy town groups. Litter is the responsibility of everyone and the level of participation in the National Spring Clean campaign proves that people really do want to take action.The high profile campaign and national television, radio and press coverage, has helped to refocus the issue of litter in the public mind. Further information: website: www.antaisce.org/projects/nsc.html Oonagh Duggan, National Spring Clean Manager, An Taisce,Tailors Hall, Back Lane, Dublin 8 tel: 01.707 7066 fax: 01.454 1802 e-mail: [email protected] Launch of Cross-Border Waste Awareness Campaign On 14 September, 2004, Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government, and Ms. Angela Smith M.P., Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with responsibility for the Department of the Environment, launched a major cross border media campaign aimed at raising awareness of waste management with a strong message aimed at consumers about the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling waste. This campaign complements Northern Ireland’s Wake Up To Waste campaign and Ireland’s Race Against Waste campaign. It features celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin demonstrating how to separate and recycle glass, cans, paper and plastic and how to make compost and prevent waste.The advertisements also show how waste can be transformed into useful new products. Radio, trade and local press advertisements together with the designated website – www.mywaste.info, will extend the reach of the campaign. Mr. Martin Cullen,T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with Ms. Angela Smith M.P., Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with responsibility for the Department of the Environment, at the Cross Border Waste Awareness Launch held in the Manor House Hotel, Fermanagh The Transformations Business Workshop which takes place on the 8 November 2004 will provide information on the business opportunities that are available in waste reprocessing, explore the challenges facing business in this growing sector and discuss ways to profit from waste. The €2.53m campaign has been funded through the INTERREG IIIA Programme which is co-ordinated by the Special European Union Programmes Body and is supported by the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Republic. Further information: website: www.mywaste.info Paul Morrissey, Environmental Awareness Section tel: 01.888 2488 fax: 01.888 2014 email: [email protected] 22 7. EU & INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS INTERREG IIIA Under the INTERREG IIIA Programme’s Priority 2, Measure 3, a sum of €5.1m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) is available for cross border renewable energy/energy efficiency proposals. It is aimed at SMEs (small and medium enterprises), community groups, community businesses, farmers, the tourism sector, public and voluntary sector and individuals. Examples of the technologies which may be considered for funding include: • wind energy • solar power • photovoltaics • hydropower • geothermal • biomass • anaerobic digestion • Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and • efficient heating and lighting systems The programme is administered on a crossborder basis by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) in the south and the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Investment (DETI) in the north. A number of innovative cross-border sustainable energy initiatives are already being rolled out under the programme, including wind energy, solar power and bio-energy projects.These include: • a feasibility study on an urban wind turbine being carried out by Dundalk Institute of Technology in partnership with University of Ulster • solar water heating for public buildings being developed by Sligo County Council in partnership with Belfast City Council • a development plan for a cross border anaerobic digestion plant, and • a small business environmental study. A second call for proposals for funding under the measure was opened in early June 2004. Due to an unprecedented level of interest, the measure is now fully subscribed. DCMNR and DETI have retained Action Renewables to provide an Advisory Service to prospective applicants for funding under Measure 2.3 for this second call. Further information: Action Renewables,Woodchester House 50 Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5NW tel. RoI: 048.906 85093 NI: 028.906 85093 e-mail: [email protected] Informal Meeting of the Environment Council at Maastricht On 18 July, 2004 an informal meeting of the Environment Council, under the Dutch Presidency, was held at Maastricht.The focus of the meeting was on linking eco-efficiency to the Lisbon Strategy, which is a commitment to bring about economic, social and environmental renewal in the EU. In March 2000, the European Council in Lisbon set out a ten-year strategy to make the EU the world’s most dynamic and competitive economy. Under the strategy, a stronger economy will drive job creation alongside social and environmental policies that ensure sustainable development and social inclusion. The environment is the third pillar of the strategy and it is hoped that Europe can enhance its competitiveness by innovation in the area of eco-efficiency and by becoming a leader among eco-efficient economies.This approach will guide the Environment Council in its contribution to the Lisbon Agenda. Ensuring that eco-innovators can compete effectively in the marketplace will be important. Possible means to achieve this include: • implementing green public procurement • fiscal incentives and green investment criteria 23 7. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 EU & INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS • the internalisation of external costs, and • the reform of environmentally harmful subsidies. Rewarding eco-innovators and monitoring efficiency will be part of this policy. A long-term perspective and the setting of high standards will also create a milieu favourable to innovation. Support for this agenda will be sough through: • dialogue with business • a special focus on SMEs, and • contact with all national and local stakeholders. The Environment Council will also seek to create more effective liaison with other EU Councils in pursuit of these common goals. A further major topic at the Informal Environment Council in Maastricht was the Communication from the European Commission on flood risk management.This was agreed to be a major European issue.A common European approach would increase our resilience in the face of flooding catastrophes.The meeting regards developing and implementing a concerted European Action Programme on integrated flood prevention, protection and mitigation as the most effective way to get a common approach.With this Action Programme the Member States should commit themselves to work together to develop and implement flood risk management plans and flood risk maps for affected river basins and coastal areas. The Presidency concluded that in developing flood risk management plans the following issues/principles should be considered: • the Solidarity Principle - measures taken in one area should not have a significant negative effect on another (upstream or downstream) area • an interdisciplinary approach - an approach in which all relevant aspects of water management, spatial planning, land use, agriculture, transport and urban development and nature conservation are taken into account • the integration with the river basin management plans and programmes of measures developed in accordance with the Water Framework Directive and the possibility of developing risk management plans for coastal areas within the same time frame as far as possible • a long-term strategic approach, including developments that are expected in the long term • all elements of flood risk management should be covered in the flood risk management plans - prevention, protection, preparedness, emergency response, recovery and evaluation (lessons learned), and • continuing research regarding flood risk management. The Presidency is aiming for Council Conclusions to be adopted in one of the Environment Councils during the Dutch Presidency. Further information: Bart Felle, Environment International tel: 01.888 2603 fax: 01.888 2014 e-mail: [email protected] Cruinniú Uachtaránachta de Bhord um Éicilipéadú an Aontais Eorpaigh An 15 agus an 16 Aibreán, 2004 reáchtáil Éire cruinniú de chuid Bhord um Éicilipéadú an Aontais Eorpaigh (EUEB) mar chuid d’Uachtaránacht an Aontais Eorpaigh. Is iad an Roinn Fiontar,Trádála agus Fostaíochta agus an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil a chómhaoinigh an cruinniú a bhí eagraithe ag an Údarás um Chaighdeáin Náisiúnta na hÉireann(NSAI). Facthas an cruinniú an 15ú Aibreán, ar ar fhreastal comhaltaí de Bhord um Éicilipéadú an AE, ionadaithe ó na Tíortha Aontachais agus ionadaithe ó Thurasóireacht Éireann agus ó chomhlachtaí an tionscail, mar dheis chun cur le próifíl na scéime Éicilipéid in Éirinn. Bhí roinnt cur i láthair mar chuid den chlár le fócas speisialta ar an éicilipéad do sheirbhísí cóiríochta turasóirí. Chun cur leo sin bhí roinnt páipéar ag déanamh cur síos ar thionscnaimh comhshaoil a forbraíodh in Éirinn. Ba é an tUasal Michael Ahern,An tAire Trádála agus Tráchtála a d’oscail an cruinniú faoi chathaoirleacht an Dr Patrick Hayes, An Roinn Forbartha Caighdeán, NSAI. Thosaigh an cur i láthair foirimiúil le spreagaitheasc ón Uasal Duncan Stewart. Dúirt an tUasal Stewart go bhfuil gá le go leor oibre chun tuiscint a chruthú ar an tábhacht agus na buntáistí atá le héicilipéadú ar tháirgí agus ar sheirbhísí, ar nós cóiríocht turasóirí. Léirigh sé go dtabharfadh éicilipéad do sheirbhísí cóiríochta turasóirí deis iontach do sholáthróirí cóiríochta na hÉireann agus mhol sé go raibh margadh ann i ndáiríre don nideog turasóireachta seo. Ar deireadh dúirt sé gur chóir go mbeadh éicilipéadú i bhfeidhm ar gach táirge agus ar gach seirbhís a chuireann isteach ar ár 24 7. ENVIRONMENT BULLETIN 61 EU & INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS saol laethúil, ní hamháin laistigh de theorainneacha na hEorpa ach ar fud an domhain freisin. Rinne Nicola Breier Uasal,An Coimisiún Eorpach, agus an Dr. Stefania Minestrini, Gníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil na hIodáile cur i láthair ar an éicilipéad do sheirbhísí cóiríochta turasóirí. Mhínigh Breier conas a spreagfaidh an éicilipéad do chóiríochtaí turasóirí, turasóireacht níos inbhuanaithe agus na sochair a thagann ó fheidhmíocht chomhshaoil mhaith ag soláthróirí seirbhísí. Mhínigh an Dr. Minestrini na riachtanais a gcaithfear freastal orthu chun go n-éireoidh le soláthróir cóiríochta turasóirí an t-éicilipéad a bhaint amach. Chuir na daoine seo a leanas páipéir i láthair freisin: • Dorothy Maxwell Uasal ar Tháirgí Comhshaoil den Scoth • An tUasal Alan Hill ar Éabhlóid an Chéad Cheann Scríbe Éiceathurasóireacht in Éirinn • An tUasal Oliver Ring ar Thaithí Thionscadal Píolótach Éicilipéid i bPobal cúlráideach in Éirinn, agus • An Dr. John Ryan ar Chur Chun Cinn Éicilipéad an AE in Éirinn Bhí an cruinniú an 16 Aibreán teoranta do chomhaltacht den EUEB agus úsáideadh é chun dréachtchritéir a phlé do sheirbhísí ionad campála atá á bhforbairt agus ceaptar go mbeidh comhaontú déanta ina leith níos deireanaí i mbliana. Tuilleadh eolais: An Dr. Patrick Hayes, NSAI, An Ghráinseach, Sráid Mhichíl, Luimneach teil: 061.411 872 faics: 061.411 874 ríomhphost: [email protected] Presidential Meeting of the European Union Eco-labelling Board On 15 and 16 April, 2004 Ireland hosted a meeting of the European Union Eco-labelling Board (EUEB) as part of the Presidency of the European Union.The meeting, organised by National Standards Authority if Ireland (NSAI) was co-funded by the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The meeting on the 15th April, attended by members of the EU Eco-labelling Board, representatives from the Accession Countries and representatives from Irish Tourism and industry bodies, was seen as an opportunity to increase the profile of the eco-label scheme in Ireland.The programme consisted of a number of presentations with a special focus on the eco-label for tourist accommodation services.These were complemented by a number of papers describing some environmental initiatives that have been developed in Ireland. The meeting, opened by Mr. Michael Ahern, Minister for Trade and Commerce, was chaired by Dr. Patrick Hayes, Standards Development Department, NSAI. Formal presentations commenced with a keynote address from Mr. Duncan Stewart. Mr Stewart stated that a lot of work needed to be done to create awareness of the importance and benefits of eco-labelling on products and services, such as tourist accommodation. He indicated that the eco-label for tourist accommodation services would provide a great opportunity for Irish accommodation providers and suggested that there was a genuine market for this tourism niche. He concluded that eco-labelling should apply to all products and services affecting our everyday life, not only within European boundaries but also worldwide. Ms. Nicola Breier, European Commission and Dr. Stefania Minestrini, the Italian Environment Protection Agency made presentations on the eco-label for tourist accommodation services. Ms. Breier outlined how the eco-label for tourist accommodations will encourage greater sustainable tourism and the benefits that accrue from good environmental performance by service providers. Dr. Minestrini outlined the requirements that must be met in order for a tourist accommodation provider to achieve the eco-label. Other papers were presented by: • Ms. Dorothy Maxwell on Environmentally Superior Products • Mr.Alan Hill on the Evolution of Ireland’'s First Eco-tourism Destination • Mr. Oliver Ring on the Experiences of a Pilot Eco-label Project in a remote Irish Community, and • Dr. John Ryan on Promoting the EU Eco-label in Ireland The meeting on the 16 April was confined to the membership of the EUEB and was used to discuss draft criteria for campsite services which are being developed and expect to be agreed later this year. Further information: Dr. Patrick Hayes, NSAI, The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick tel: 061.411 872 fax: 061.411 874 e-mail: [email protected] 25 Appendix 1: ECO-UNESCO & ENFO YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS AWARDS WINNERS 2004 PROJECT BACKGROUNDS Supreme Senior Winners School: Colaiste Muire, Ennis, Co. Clare Category: Biodiversity Senior Project Leader: Ms. Colette Reddington (teacher) Team: Catriona Barry, Fiona Curtin, Sinead Heavey, Sarah Hoey, Ailbhe Hogan. “Planting for the Future” The girls from Colaiste Muire worked to raise awareness of the importance of tree planting and conservation in their local community. Firstly, they surveyed trees planted fourteen years ago for the 750th anniversary of Ennis Town and identified where trees needed to be replaced.They raised sponsorship from local businesses to purchase new trees and successfully replaced 10% of the original trees planted. They then extended the scheme to the local community, firstly by planting new trees in their own school, and then donating trees for planting in other local schools.The team also sold trees to the Ennis community as St.Valentine’s Day gifts. The remaining money raised from the tree sales has been donated to a fund to enable future Transition Year students in the school carry on the work started by this project. To raise awareners of their work, the team had an article published in the Clare Champion newspaper and were interviewed on their local radio station, Clare FM.They also contacted the people who had been involved in the original tree planting 14 years ago and invited them to the replanting ceremony. Supreme Junior Winners School: St. Catherine’s College, Co.Armagh Category: Biodiversity Project Leaders: Paul Rodgers (teacher) Team: Sinead Conroy, Sheila McManus, Caoimhe McReynolds, Faye Rice, Fionnuala Rodgers. “Operation House Sparrow” The project from St Catherine’s College,Armagh aimed to improve the habitat for bird species in their school, particularly the house sparrow, which is declining. The group firstly surveyed bird activity in their school grounds to identify species present and suitable locations for encouraging nesting by sparrows in particular. They constructed bird boxes and tables in their Technology classes and designed one of the boxes to house a miniature camera so that nesting activity could be viewed from a specially created bird viewing area inside the school.This would generate interest and awareness amongst pupils about the bird species present in the school area.The team also produced a display of information on the work they carried out and printed information leaflets on the bird species using the new facilities. To raise awareness of their project, the group contacted their local newspaper, the Ulster Gazette with a press release and photo and an article about their work was published.They posted the story on the school website and designed an information leaflet that was distributed to pupils and also at the school’s open night for new pupils and parents.The group also gave a presentation to classes in their school and included details of their project in the school Newsletter, which is distributed to the families of 1000 school pupils. 26 Appendix 1: ECO-UNESCO & ENFO YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALISTS AWARDS WINNERS 2004 (CONT’D) NATIONAL CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS Category School Project Title Teacher Energy Senior Colaiste Muire, Ennis, Co. Clare “E.T. Don’t Phone Home – A Sustainable Plan for Teenage Transport in Clare”. Ms. Colette Reddington Water Senior Knockbeg College, Carlow “Water Conservation in Our School” Ms. Anne Marie Buckley. Water Junior St. Patrick’s College, Banbridge, Co. Down “How Clean Are Our Local Rivers?” Ms. Daire Campbell Waste Senior St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry, Co. Offaly “Wonder Worms” Ms. Mary Connolly Air Senior Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Co. Kerry “When You Can’t Breathe, Nothing Else Matters” Ms. O’Donoghue Air Junior Banbridge High School, Banbridge, Co. Down “How Rare is Fresh Air?” Ms. Jennifer McClelland HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARD WINNERS Category School Project Title Teacher Biodiversity Senior Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork “Protecting Our Habitat” Ms. Joan Flaherty Biodiversity Junior Friends’ School, Lisburn, Co. Antrim “Making Room for Wildlife” Ms. Lynn Ellison Water Senior St. Peter ’s College, Dunboyne, Co. Meath “Water: A Source of Life” Mr. Denis Leonard Water Junior Belfast Model School for Girls, Belfast, Co. Antrim “Water” Ms. Carol Chisim Waste Senior Clifden Community School, Clifden, Co. Galway “Give Life To Rubbish: Recycle It” Ms. Olivia Staunton 27 Appendix 2: BLANKET BOGS & RAISED BOGS BLANKET BOGS NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS CAVAN 9 SLIEVE RUSHEN BOG NHA CLARE 2400 CRAGNASHINGAUN BOGS NHA 2401 GORTACULLIN BOG NHA 2421 LOUGH ACROW BOGS NHA 2377 LOUGH ATORICK DISTRICT BOGS NHA 2367 LOUGH NAMINNA BOG NHA 2442 MAGHERA MOUNTAIN BOGS NHA 2439 OYSTERMAN'S MARSH NHA 2397 SLIEVECALLAN MOUNTAIN BOG NHA 2402 WOODCOCK HILL BOG NHA 2447 BOGGERAGH MOUNTAINS NHA 2386 CONIGAR BOG NHA 2417 LEAHILL BOG NHA 2416 PULLEEN HARBOUR BOG NHA 2371 TRAFRASK BOG NHA 2105 DERREENNATRA BOG NHA 1059 HUNGRY HILL BOG NHA (also Kerry) 2449 MOUNT EAGLE BOGS NHA (also Kerry) CORK DONEGAL 2375 BARNESMORE BOG NHA 2405 CAMOWEN RIVER BOG NHA 122 CASHELNAVEAN BOG NHA 1108 CORVEEN BOG NHA 1878 CROCKNAMURRIN MOUNTAIN BOG NHA 1127 ILLIES HILL BOG NHA 1159 LOUGH FAD BOG NHA 2452 LOUGH HILL BOG NHA 2437 MEENAGARRANROE BOG NHA 2453 MEENMORE WEST BOG NHA 2322 SLIEVE SNAGHT BOGS NHA 2406 UMRYCAM BOG NHA 28 Appendix 2: BLANKET BOGS & RAISED BOGS GALWAY 1241 CARNA HEATH AND BOG NHA 2374 CLOON AND LAGHTANABBA BOG NHA 2379 DERRYOOBER BOG NHA 2364 MOYCULLEN BOGS NHA 2431 OUGHTERARD DISTRICT BOG NHA 1229 SLIEVE AUGHTY BOG NHA 2436 TOOREEN BOG NHA KERRY 1948 DOUGHILL BOG NHA 2448 KNOCKATARRIV / KNOCKARIDDERA BOGS NHA 366 KNOCKROE BOG NHA 1882 SILLAHERTANE BOG NHA 383 SLAHENY RIVER BOG NHA 1059 HUNGRY HILL BOG NHA (also Cork) 2449 MOUNT EAGLE BOGS NHA (also Cork) KILKENNY 2382 COAN BOGS NHA LEITRIM 2430 AGHAVOGIL BOG NHA 2384 DOUGH/THUR MOUNTAINS NHA 2321 CORRY MOUNTAIN BOG NHA (also Roscommon) 2435 CROCKAUNS/KEELOGYBOY BOGS NHA (also Sligo) LIMERICK 2399 CARRIGKERRY BOGS NHA 2186 GRAGEEN FEN AND BOG NHA 2454 LOUGH GAY BOG NHA 2361 MOYREEN BOG NHA 2455 LOUGH GRENEY BOG 1473 BANGOR ERRIS BOG NHA 2383 CROAGHMOYLE MOUNTAIN NHA 2420 CUNNAGHER MORE BOG NHA MAYO 29 (CONT’D) Appendix 2: BLANKET BOGS & RAISED BOGS 2381 DOOGORT EAST BOG NHA 2446 EDERGLEN BOG NHA 2432 FORREW BOG NHA 2419 GLENTURK MORE BOG NHA 2391 INAGH BOG NHA 1548 POLLATOMISH BOG NHA 2403 SRAHEENS BOG NHA 548 TAWNYMACKAN BOG NHA 1566 TRISTIA BOG NHA 1567 TULLAGHAN BAY AND BOG NHA 1570 UMMERANTARRY BOG NHA (CONT’D) MONAGHAN 1603 ESHBRACK BOG NHA ROSCOMMON 617 KILRONAN MOUNTAIN BOG NHA 2321 CORRY MOUNTAIN BOG NHA (also Leitrim) SLIGO 2415 CARRANE HILL BOG NHA 1902 SLIEVEWARD BOG NHA 2435 CROCKAUNS/KEELOGYBOY BOGS NHA (also Leitrim) TIPPERARY 2450 BLEANBEG BOG NHA 2385 MAUHERSLIEVE BOG NHA 2388 SLIEVENAMON BOG NHA RAISED BOG NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS CLARE 993 AYLE LOWER BOG NHA CL 2307 CLOONLOUM MORE BOG NHA CL 337 DOON LOUGH NHA CL 1020 LOUGHANILLOON BOG NHA CL 30 Appendix 2: BLANKET BOGS & RAISED BOGS CAVAN 985 LOUGH KINALE AND DERRAGH LOUGH NHA CV/LF/WM GALWAY 2344 ANNAGHBEG BOG NHA GA 1227 AUGHRIM BOG NHA GA 229 BALLYGAR BOG NHA GA 235 BRACKLAGH BOG NHA GA 1240 CAPIRA/DERREW BOG NHA GA 1244 CASTLE FFRENCH EAST BOG NHA GA 280 CASTLE FFRENCH WEST BOG NHA GA 245 CLOONCULLAUN BOG NHA GA 249 CLOONOOLISH BOG NHA GA 254 CRIT ISLAND WEST NHA GA 1254 DERRINLOUGH BOG NHA GA 1255 DERRYNAGRAN BOG & ESKER NHA GA 1264 ESKERBOY BOG NHA GA 267 FUNSHIN BOG NHA GA 281 KEELOGES BOG NHA GA 1280 KILLACLOGHER BOG NHA GA 1283 KILLURE BOG NHA GA 283 KILMORE BOG NHA GA 284 KILNABORRIS BOG NHA GA 292 LEAHA BOG NHA GA 220 LOUGH NAMUCKA BOG NHA 307 LOUGH TEE BOG NHA GA 310 MENEEN BOG NHA GA 1303 MOORFIELD BOG NHA GA 221 MOORFIELD BOG / FARM COTTAGE NHA 321 RAFORD RIVER BOG NHA GA 247 SLIEVE BOG NHA GA 222 SUCK RIVER CALLOWS NHA GA/RO GA/RO GA/RO 31 (CONT’D) Appendix 2: BLANKET BOGS & RAISED BOGS KILDARE 1388 CARBURY BOG NHA KD 1393 HODGESTOWN BOG NHA KD 333 ANNA MORE BOG NHA KE 1352 BUNNARUDDEE BOG NHA KE 2357 CLONREHER BOG NHA LA 652 MONAINCHA BOG / BALLAGHMORE BOG NHA LA/TI 422 AGHNAMONA BOG NHA LE/LF 1405 CASHEL BOG (LEITRIM) NHA LE 1423 CLOONAGEEHER BOG NHA LE/LF 1420 CORRACRAMPH BOG NHA 691 RINN RIVER NHA KERRY LAOIS LEITRIM LE LE/LF LONGFORD 1448 FORTHILL BOG NHA LF 1450 MOUNT JESSOP BOG NHA LF MEATH 1580 GIRLEY BOG NHA ME 1324 JAMESTOWN BOG NHA ME 1582 MOLERICK BOG NHA ME 570 BLACK CASTLE BOG NHA OF 2033 DAINGEAN BOG NHA OF 2355 HAWKSWOOD BOG NHA OF 921 SCREGGAN BOG NHA OF 890 CANGORT BOG NHA 565 CLONYDONNIN BOG NHA 564 RIVER LITTLE BROSNA CALLOWS NHA OFFALY OF/TI OF/WM OF/TI 32 (CONT’D) Appendix 2: BLANKET BOGS & RAISED BOGS ROSCOMMON 591 BELLA BRIDGE BOG NHA RO 1623 CARRICKYNAGHTAN BOG NHA RO 603 CORNAVEAGH BOG NHA RO 605 DERRYCANAN BOG NHA RO 2072 LISNANARRIAGH BOG NHA RO 1652 TULLAGHAN BOG (ROSCOMMON) NHA RO TIPPERARY 640 ARRAGH MORE BOG NHA TI 642 BALLYMACEGAN BOG NHA TI 648 KILLEEN BOG NHA TI 1684 LORRHA BOG NHA TI 1853 NORE VALLEY BOGS NHA TI 937 SCOHABOY BOG NHA TI WESTMEATH 674 BALLYNAGRENIA AND BALLINDERRY BOG NHA WM 677 CLONCROW BOG (NEW FOREST) NHA WM 684 LOUGH DERRAVARAGH NHA WM 1812 LOUGH GARR NHA WM 2323 MILLTOWNPASS BOG NHA WM 1725 NURE BOG NHA WM 694 WOODDOWN BOG NHA WM 33 (CONT’D) Appendix 3: LITTER ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS Town Councils Wardens Full Time Wardens Part Time Number of Prosecutions Number of Convictions O-T-S Fines Issued O-T-S Fines Paid 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 2 1 7 1 2 2 1 3 1 2 3 1 6 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 4 1 2 2 2 1 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 8 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 5 49 25 176 42 38 5 19 5 4 0 18 50 2 18 0 7 38 77 10 10 0 0 11 18 21 9 14 32 43 28 2 26 15 57 11 19 1 5 0 3 0 13 22 0 8 0 5 16 41 7 6 0 0 7 5 27 4 12 15 26 10 Total Town Councils: 16 75 60 21 1,180 557 Overall Total: 114 285 1,139 396 10,616 5,357 Cobh Dundalk Dungarvan Ennis Enniscorthy Fermoy Kells Killarney Kilrush Kinsale Letterkenny Listowel Longford Macroom Mallow Midleton Monaghan Naas Navan Nenagh New Ross Skibbereen Templemore Thurles Tipperary Tralee Trim Tullamore Westport Wicklow Youghal 34 Appendix 4: BODIES REPRESENTED ON THE MARKET DEVELOPMENT GROUP City and County Managers Association Clean Technology Centre Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment Enterprise Ireland Environmental Protection Agency Irish Business and Employers Federation (IBEC) Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Irish Waste Management Association National Standards Authority of Ireland Small Firms Association Calendar of Events ENFO Exhibitions 2 Nov - 11 Dec 2004 BirdWatch Ireland Garden Bird Exhibition at ENFO ‘Garden Bird Detectives: Discovering birds on your doorstep’ Further information: tel: 01-2819878 e-mail BirdWatch Ireland at [email protected] ENFO is open Mondays-Saturdays inclusive, between 10:00 and 17:00 17 Andrew's Street, Dublin 2 Further information: tel: 01-8882001 or 1890-200191 (calls charged at local rate) e-mail: [email protected] All welcome; admission free 35 Recent Publications Government Publications Europeans-working together Report on Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union Further information: website: www.eu2004.ie Subsidies and Emissions of Greenhouse Gases from Fossil Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .free Further information: Comhar Secretariat tel: 01.888 3992 e-mail: [email protected] Radon in Primary and post-Primary Schools-The Results of a National Survey Further information: website: www.rpii.ie Radon in Existing Buildings-Corrective Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€5 plus postage Further information: website: www.environ.ie Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 Heritage Outlook, a biannual publication by the Heritage Council Further information: e-mail: [email protected] EPA Publications Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Collection trials in Ireland - Synthesis Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .free Assessment & Development of a Waste Prevention Framework for Ireland - Synthesis Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .free Environmental Protection Agency Annual Report & Accounts 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .free Landspreading of Organic Waste Guidence on Groundwater Vunerability Assessment of Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€7 Ireland’s Environment 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€20 European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. 439 of 2000): A Handbook on Implementation for Sanitary Authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€10 Further information: website: www.epa.ie tel: 01.268 0100 e-mail: [email protected] Eco-UNESCO Publications Waste Not Want Not, A guide to managing Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€6 Our Environment Our Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€4.50 Further information: website: www.ecounesco.ie ECO-UNESCO, 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2 tel: 01.662 5491 fax: 01.662 5493 36 Recent Publications (CONT’D) Other Publications Heritage Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .free Further information: e-mail: [email protected] The NRA,The M3 and Archaeology The Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .free Further information: website: www.nra.ie e-mail: [email protected] www.dublin.ie - a user’s guide, helping shape Ireland’s information society Further information: tel: 01.672 2148 fax: 01.672 2162 e-mail: [email protected] The Economics of Energy Efficiency - Barriers to Cost-Effective Investment by Steve Sorrell, Eoin O'Malley, Joachim Schleich and Sue Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£UK 65 Further information: e-mail: [email protected] European Commission Publications A Cleaner, greener Europe LIFE and the European Union waste policy Natura 2000 and Forests "Challenges and opportunities" Reclaiming city streets for people Chaos or quality of Life? Implementation of Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban wastewater treatment as amended by Commission Directive 98/15/EC of 27 February 1998 – Third Report Available from: European Commission, Directorate-General for Press and Communication Publications, B-1049 Bruxelles, Belgium www.europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/press_communication/index_en.htm 37 Websites Relevant Government Websites www.eu2004.ie Irish Presidency website. www.environ.ie Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government website. www.raceagainstwaste.com The aim of the Race Against Waste Campaign is to raise awareness of the need for an integrated approach to waste management. The site contains information on how to prevent, reduce, re-use and recycle the waste people produce at work and at home. Extensive links to other sites. www.mywaste.info The website gives information on how to change rubbish into a resource, at home and in business. www.enfo.ie The website of ENFO, the Environmental Information Service contains an extensive body of information on the environment.The site contains the full text of ENFO leaflets, on-line database of the ENFO library collection of environmental books and journals, a Children’s Corner, an on-line order form for requesting ENFO publications and travelling exhibitions, lists of environmental NGO’s and Local Authority Environment Awareness Officers, Irish and international environmental links etc. www.sei.ie The website of Sustainable Energy Ireland formally the Irish Energy Centre.The website contains information on the environmentally and economically sustainable production, supply and use of energy in support of government policy across all sectors of the economy. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has just added a new Physics section to their website. Designed by teachers, it aims to help students with revision of some of the energy related topics on the Leaving Certificate Physics course.The site is divided into six units, work, energy, power, electric current, quantity of heat and heat transfer and all include background information, a "test yourself section" and relevant past Leaving Certificate questions. There are several ways that teachers could use this resource; print revision handouts or for those students who have computers at home give a unit as homework. Teachers who have access to a computer room could let students work through the material at their own pace or those teachers lucky enough to have access to a data projector and computer in the laboratory, use the material as a direct teaching resource. Log on to www.sei.ie then go to the education section of the site. www.rpii.ie The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland is the national organisation with regulatory, monitoring and advisory responsibilities in matters pertaining to ionising radiation. In particular the Institute concerns itself with hazards to health associated with ionising radiation and with radioactive contamination in the environment. www.answer_online.org North South Website of Environmental Research (aNSwer) is an online register of current environmental research projects and was developed as part of environmental programme of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). www.envirocentre.ie The new environmental website for Enterprise Ireland to promote environmental awareness in Irish industry. www.wfdireland.ie Information regarding the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Ireland. www.comhar-nsdp.ie Comhar (the National Sustainable Development Partnership).This new website recommendations with regards to Sustainable Development in Ireland. includes information on activities and www.irishspatialstrategy.ie The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) is a coherent national planning framework for Ireland for the next 20 years. It's about people, places and potential. Making the most of our cities, towns and rural places to bring a better spread of 38 Websites (CONT’D) opportunities, better quality of life and better places to live in.The National Spatial Strategy was launched by the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government on Thursday 28th November 2002 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. www.coillte.ie In 2003 Coillte launched its e-newsletter "Log on..to Coillte, to inform and update stakeholders of current news and activities. Log on..to Coillte' is designed to complement other Coillte communications tools such as the Annual Financial and Social and Environmental Reports, and the website, www.coillte.ie. It covers topics such as the Soil Association audits of the forests for certification, the review of the recreation policy, details of timber sales figures and general issues like forestry funding and the Bacon report. Stakeholders can continue to provide feedback through the normal consultation channels including the website, social and environment panels, Coillte’s on-going consultation meetings, and direct contact with Coillte staff.To subscribe to Log on..to Coillte, visit the e-newsletter section of Coillte's website at www.coillte.ie/newsletters/index.htm www.dcmnr.gov.ie/energy Information on the competition for the Alternative Energy Requirements (AER) VI under EU Procurement rules. Details of the price cap in each category were published in the terms and conditions for the competition and are also available in this website. www.epa.ie The website of the Environmental Protection Agency. www.tidytowns.ie Contains information on the Department’s Tidy Towns competition. Website Addresses of EU Institutions Press Room: www.europa.eu.int/comm/press_room/index_en.htm Statistical Office: www.europa.eu.int/comm/index_en.htm www.unece.org/env/documents/2004/ece/ac.25/ece.ac.25.2004.3.e.pdf The Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Chair’s Summary, outcome of the Regional Implementation Forum on Sustainable Development, Geneva, 15-16 January, 2004 and one of the inputs to the Chairs Summary for CSD12. www.eu2004.nl/ Dutch Presidency site. www.europa.eu.int This is the main European Union website which contains links to all the major EU institutions, i.e., Council of the European Union, European Commission and European Parliament. In addition, it contains all the latest news concerning the EU as well providing details of all the meetings taking place throughout the year. www.europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh This is the European Union Law page, and provides access to any proposals for a European Directive, Regulation or Decision as well as the finalised versions by using the link for the OFFICIAL JOURNAL of the EU. Also available is a link to any recent case law involving the European Court of Justice. www.eea.eu.int European Environment Agency. www.europa.eu.int/index_en.htm EU on-line portal. www.europarl.eu.int/home/default_en.htm European Parliament. 39 Websites (CONT’D) www.europarl.eu.int/groups/ Political Groups in E.P. www.europa.eu.int/comm/life/envir/infopk/index-en.htm Application guide for LIFE Environment Programme 2004. www.eco-label.com An interactive catalogue has been specifically designed for consumers to find eco-labelled products throughout Europe. In addition to a simple description of the scheme for newcomers, this new e-platform has the tools to learn more about the eco-labelled products, how much they cost, where to find them in your country and even order some of them on-line. www.eco-label-tourism.com/frameset/frameset.html Details on the EU eco-label for tourism, including the range of criteria that should be addressed to qualify for an award. www.db.europarl.eu.int/dors/oeil/en/default.htm Legislative Observatory. www.ue.eu.int/en/summ.htm Council of the European Union Links to presidency websites. Previous (Danish) Presidency. www.eu2003.gr/en/cat/0/index.asp? Previous (Greek) Presidency. www.eu2003.it Previous (Italian) Presidency. www.ue.eu.int/cal/en/index.htm Work Programmes, timetables, agendas etc. www.ue.eu.int/accords/default.asp?lang=en Agreements. www.ue.eu.int/newsroom/newmain.asp?lang=I Press Office. www.europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/treaties/dat/treaties_en.pdf Treaties (downloadable) (Amsterdam). www.europa.eu.int/comm/press_room/index_en.htm European Commission Press Room. www.ue.eu.int/en/summ.htm Legislation in force. www.europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/search/search_oj.html Official Journal. www.ted.eur-op.eu.int/static/home/en/homepage.ini TED – Tenders Electronic Daily. www.europa.eu.int/celex/htm/celex_en.htm CELEX – EU Legislation site. www.curia.eu.int/en/index.htm Court of Justice / First Instance. www.europa.eu.int/prelex/apcnet.cfm?CL=en PreLex – database on inter-institutional procedures. 40 Websites (CONT’D) www.europa.eu.int/futurum/index_en.htm www.european-convention.eu.int/ Future of Europe – debate. www.eca.eu.int/ Court of Auditors. www.esc.eu.int ECOSOC. www.cor.eu.int/home.htm Committee of the Regions. www.euro-ombudsman.eu.int/home/en/default.htm European Ombudsman. www.ecb.int/ European Central Bank. www.eib.eu.int European Investment Bank. www.acrr.org/resourcities "The management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) – A guide for local and regional authorities" provides the readers with practical insights into experiences across Europe, and guidelines for the selective collection and management of WEEE. It is a valuable tool for waste policy-makers and practitioners alike.The report, written by the ACRR in cooperation with CARE Electronics and RREUSE, and been published with the funding of the European Commission, in the scope of the project "Sustainable Consumption in Cities - European Campaign on products without waste and recycled products". Like the other deliverables of the project, the guide can be downloaded for free. www.europa.eu.int/comm/energy/index_en.html European Commission Policies on Energy. www.europa.eu.int/comm/energy/res/index_en.htm Information on the development of renewable energy for future use, especially from wind, water, solar [power and biomass and the need for community support. www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ippc/eper/index.htm First European register of emissions into air and water from large and medium sized industrial facilities in Europe. www.managenergy.net/ Promoting Renewable Energy - An initiative of the European Commission. Selected International Websites www.undp.org The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to the principal that development is inseparable from the quest for peace and human security and that the United Nations must be a strong force for development as well as peace. UNDP’s mission is to help countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable human development programmes in poverty eradication, employment creation and sustainable livelihoods, the empowerment of women, the protection and regeneration of the environment - giving first priority to poverty eradication. UNDP strives to be an effective development partner for the United Nations relief agencies, working to sustain livelihoods while they seek to sustain lives. It acts to help countries to prepare for, avoid, and manage complex emergencies and disasters. www.unep.org The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established as the environmental conscience of the United Nations. UNEP has created a basis for comprehensive consideration and coordinated action within the UN on problems of the human environment. UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnerships in caring for the 41 Websites (CONT’D) environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and people to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. One of the most important functions of UNEP is the promotion of environmental science and information. UNEP’s uniqueness lies in its advocacy of environmental concerns within the international system. UNEP nurtures partnerships with other UN bodies possessing complementary skills and delivery capabilities and enhances the private sector, scientific community, NGO’s, youth, women, and sports organisations in achieving sustainable development. www.unep.org/wed/2004 World Environment day website. www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd12 CSD-12 website. www.johannesburgsummit.org Official UN website for 10th Anniversary of the UN Conference on Environment and Development. www.iisd.ca International Institute for Sustainable Development’s sites. www.wri.org The World Resources Institute provides information, ideas, and solutions to global environmental problems. Their mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment for current and future generations.Their programme meets global challenges by using knowledge to catalyse public and private action to: ● Reverse damage to ecosystems ● Expand participation in environmental decisions ● Avert dangerous climate change, and ● Increase prosperity while improving the environment www.greenpeace.org International environmental activist organisation outlines its philosophy and campaign. www.envirocitizen.org/index.asp Youth organisation whose mission is to provide education and training to students with the intention of encouraging environmental leadership. www.earthtrends.wri.org Environmental research portal with links to 1000’s of other sites all over the world. www.envirolink.org Non-profit organisation providing a comprehensive collection of resources on a wide range of environmental topics. www.webdirectory.com A comprehensive directory of earth friendly organisations and topics, including agriculture, disasters and sustainable development. www.eco-portal.com A gateway to websites on environmental sustainability issues, with links to 3000 sites. www.acrr.org/news The Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling (ACRR) is an International network of local and regional authorities across Europe providing a resource through which the exchange of information and experiences on municipal waste management can be facilitated, particularly in the areas of prevention at source, recycling and recovery association. www.seedawards.org Seed Awards are a partnership of governments, non-governmental organisations and UN agencies, representing the leaders in environment and development.These awards will be launched in early 2004, with the first presentation in early 2005.We are organising a scientific and technical committee to set criteria and selecting an expert jury to review and choose recipients. More details will be available shortly on our website. 42 Websites (CONT’D) Selected Irish Environmental Websites www.trueireland.com The website provides an introduction to the many undiscovered places - and above all people - in the West of Ireland. www.theorganiccentre.ie Centre for Training, Information and Demonstration of Organic Gardening, Growing and Farming. www.thegreenfestival.com Now in its 2nd year the Green Festival in the Northwest celebrates our heritage, environment, food, culture and ecology. It is a festival for local communities and environmentally aware visitors alike. www.ecounesco.ie A non-profit organisation providing practical environmental education services to both public and private sector clients. www.greenguide.ie/celt The website provides information to develop an understanding of climate change and the action which can be taken by both individuals and households to help meet the serious global challenge of climate change. www.cvi.ie Conservation Volunteers (Ireland) creates practical conservation opportunities in the natural and cultural heritage of Ireland. www.crann.ie Crann is an NGO founded in 1986 to increase the broadleaf tree cover in Ireland and to promote/develop Irish broadleaf woodland resources. www.iol.ie/~foeeire/ Earthwatch (Friends of the Earth Ireland) plays a constructive role in international lobbying and campaigning on the most urgent environmental and social issues of our day. www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.org Friends of the Irish Environment is a network created by conservationists in Ireland in order to monitor the full implementation of European environmental law, to work for changes in the Irish planning laws, and to pursue concerns and cases in both the built and the natural environment based on the principals of sustainable community development. www.groundwork.ie Groundwork is a rhododendron clearing action group, affiliated to the Irish Wildlife Trust. www.seedsavers.ie Irish Seed Savers is an organisation involved in the location and preservation of traditional varieties of fruit and vegetables. www.voice.buz.org VOICE – Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment is an independent environmental organisation committed to promoting positive solutions to environmentally destructive activities. www.wastewatchwicklow.org Interactive Wicklow waste education website enables a number of Wicklow schools to record their own waste management projects on the web. 43 Websites (CONT’D) www.landscape-forum-ireland.com Landscape Forum Ireland is committed to quality in our shared landscape, present and future and to the view that landscape must be considered in its totality - urban, suburban and rural. www.treecouncil.ie The National Tree Council is a voluntary non-governmental organisation set up to promote the planting, care and conservation of trees in town and country. It organises National Tree Week in March,Tree Day in October, and seminars, conferences, and school competitions throughout the year. www.ipcc.ie The Irish Peatland Conservation Council site contains details of projects undertaken by the Council. Projects include purchasing bogland nature reserves, providing resources and training for teachers and education groups, repairing damaged bogs and encouraging lifestyles in harmony with the environment. www.earthshare.org A national non-profit organisation dedicated to serving environmental and conservation charities. www.enviro-mark.com An on-line environmental management self-assessment programme which enables users to assess their performance against 5 benchmark standards. www.entemp.ie/pubsz.htm Sustainable Development Strategy for DETE. www.knocksinkenvironmental.org NEEC National Environmental Education Centre. www.antaisce.org or www.eco-schools.org For details on the An Taisce Green Flag Awards. www.fairtrade.ie For information on the range and availability of Fairtrade products. www.serbd.com Information on the development, establishment and implementation of a river basin management system for the South Eastern River Basin District. www.buildingsofireland.ie The website of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage launched in May 2004, includes county architectural inventories for Waterford, Meath, Kildare, and South Dublin. Counties Carlow, Laois, Fingal, Kerry, Leitrim, Roscommon and Wicklow will be added by the end of 2004. www.dublin.ie An online environmental marketplace which enables individuals and groups involved in environmental activities in Dublin City to exchange information and promote their activities quickly and effectively. www.esb.ie Information about ESB energy efficient products and services. 44 Websites (CONT’D) Selected “Green Week” Websites www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/greenweek/conference/_14_en.htm Official website of "Green Week 2004", which took place in Brussels from 1-4 June 2004.The site includes speakers and exhibitors. www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/etap/index.hrm The website of the EU Action Plan for Environmental Technologies (ETAP).The Plan contains 25 actions to be undertaken by the commission, national and regional governments, industry and by other stakeholders in order to improve the development and uptake of environmental technologies. www.europa.eu.int/ecolabel The eco-label site provides fact sheets, procedure fees and discounts, application packs, national competent bodies, your stakeholder representatives, the Flower helpdesk, news and developments. An e-catalogue is available on: www.ecolabel.com and a news magazine about the campaign is available on: www.mst.dk/indu/pdf/b523313_eu_blomst.pdf www.cordis.lu Cordis is the research, development and innovation information service of the European Union’s 6th Framework Programme.Technology marketplace is a portal to information about emerging technologies from current research around the world. www.eco-label.com An interactive catalogue specifically designed for consumers to find eco-labelled products throughout Europe. In addition to a simple description of the scheme for newcomers, this e-platform has the tools to learn more about the eco-labelled products, their cost, local availability and ordering facilities. 45 Doiciméadú agus tuilleadh faisnéise Tugtar, ag deireadh gach ailt ar mhaite le háisiúlacht, ainmneacha agus uimhreacha teleafóin den fhoireann sa Roinn Comhshaoil agus Rialtais Áitiúil ar chóir iarratais a chur chucu ar chóipeanna de litreacha ciorcláin agus de ráitis Airí dá dtagraítear san eagrán seo, agus ónar féidir fairnéis bhreise a fháil. Tugtar faisnéis dá samhail freisin i ndáil le Ranna Rialtais eile agus eagraíochtaí eile í gcás is infheidhme sin. Féadfaidh sé tarlú go ngearrfar táille chun díol as costais phótachóipeála. Féadfar cóipeanna d’fhoilseacháin Rialtais (lena n-áirítear reachtaíocht agus ionstraimí reachtúla) chomh maith le treoracha agus doiciméid eile de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh a fháil ón Oifig Dhíolta Foilseachán Rialtais,Teach Sun Alliance, Sráid Theach Laighean, Baile Átha Cliath 2, teil: 01-671 0309 nó 679 3515, nó ar ordú tríd an bpost ó: Foilseacháin Rialtais, An Rannóg Trádala Poist, 4-5 Bóthar Fhearchair, Baile Átha Cliath 2, teil: 01-661 3111. Cuirtear fótachóipeanna de dhoiciméid Aointais Eorpaigh, ach táille fótachóipeála a íoc, ar fáil freisin d’fhiosraitheoirí ag Oifig Choimisiún an Aontais Eorpaigh, 39 Sráid Theach Laighean, Baile Átha Cliath 2, teil: 01-671 2244. Féadfar cóipeanna a fháil freisin ó na Iárionaid doicméadaithe den Aontas Eorpach atá lonnaithe sna hollscoileanna i mBaile Átha Cliath, Corcaigh, Gaillimh agus Luimneach. Féadfar iarrtais ar fhaisnéis faoi aon ghné den chomhshaol a chur chuig ENFO, Seirbhís Faisnéise Chomhshaoil na Roinne, ag 17 Sráid Aindrias, Baile Átha Cliath 2 (teil: 1890-200 191 nó facs: 01-888 3947, e-mail: [email protected], website: www.enfo.ie). Na tuarascálacha, na foilseacháin agus an reachtaíocht ar fad a luaitear san fheaschán seo, tá fáil orthu ansin don phobal le tagairt dóibh. Reáchtálann ENFO Iárionad faisnéise poiblí a bhfuil leabharlann chuimsitheach tagartha ann agus tugann sé rochtain don phobal ar bhunachair sonraí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta faoi thoipicí comhshaoil. Feasachán Comhshaoil Is í an Roinn Comhshaoil agus Rialtais Áitiúil a fhoilsíonn an Feasachán Comhshaoil.Tá sé ar fáil ar an líonra ag: www.environ.ie Is féidir freisin chóipeanna breise nó iarratas a bheith ar an líosta poist a chur chuig an eagathóir: Doreen Kirwan/Kay Lee, An Rannóg Feasachta Comhshaoil, An Roinn Comhshaoil agus Rialtais Áitiúil,Teach an Chustaim, Baile Átha Claith 1 teil: 01-888 2304 nó facs: 01-888 2014, e-mail: [email protected]. Féadfar an foilseachán seo ar fad nó cuid de a atáirgeadh gan a thuilleadh ceada ach ba mhór againn admháil a fháil air sin. Documentation and Further Information The names and telephone numbers of staff of the Department of the Environment and Local Government to whom requests for copies of circular letters and ministerial statements referred to in this issue should be made, and from whom additional information may be obtained, are given at the end of each section for convenience. Similar information in respect of other Government Departments and organisations is also given where applicable. A charge to cover photocopying costs may be applied. Copies of Government publications (including legislation and statutory instruments) and directives may be obtained from the Government Publications Sales Office, 4/5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, tel:(Int. + 353) 01647 6849 or by mail order from Government Publications, Postal Trade Division, 4-5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, tel: (Int.+ 353) 01-647 6834/35/36/37 or fax: 01-475 2760 Photocopies of EU documents are also made available, subject to a photocopying charge, to callers to the Offices of the Commission of the European Union, 39 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, tel: 01-671 2244. Copies may also be obtained from the European Union documentation centres located in the universities in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick. Requests for information on any aspect of the environment can be made to ENFO, the Department’s Environment Information Service, at 17 St. Andrew Street, Dublin 2, tel: 1890-200 191 or fax: 01-888 3947, e-mail: [email protected], website: www.enfo.ie). All of the reports, publications and legislation mentioned in this bulletin are available there for public reference. ENFO operates a public information centre with an extensive reference library and provides public access to national and international databases on environmental topics. Environment Bulletin The Environmental Bulletin is published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. It is available on the internet at: www.environ.ie Alternatively, requests for additional copies, or for inclusion in the mailing list, should be sent to the editor: Doreen Kirwan/Kay Lee, Environmental Awareness Section, Department of the Environment and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1 tel: 01-888 2304 fax 01-888 2014 e-mail: [email protected]. All or part of the publication may be reproduced without further permission but acknowledgement would be appreciated. Printed on Recycled Paper containing 100% post consumer waste