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Greetings!
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Welcome to the July edition of the Green News brought to you by the Irish Environmental Network.
In the last month we have see growing calls to cull some of Ireland's wildlife. In the context of declining numbers across many species it is hard to see how this could be justified. We are also highlighting the involvement of the environmental sector in the recent National Economic Dialogue and the growing efforts to protect the EUs nature laws.
As always stay up to date through our website, facebook and twitter.
Many thanks,
Communication and Development Officer
Irish Environmental Network
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Herring Gulls and Pine Martens have become the centre of media attention in recent weeks with calls for culls making it all the way to the Seanad. But is this fair or just silly season scare stories?
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Stories about aggressive gulls during the summer months seem to come around annually. But this year in particular there has been a glut.
Last week Fianna Fail Senator Denis 'Donovan called for a debate in the Seanad around the culling of 'seagulls' that he describes as a 'vicious seabird'.
His comments came following reports that a bird had taken a Dublin woman's phone and rather maliciously dropped it in a nearby pond.
Vanessa Keegan, from Clonsilla, Co. Dublin, was the victim of the bizarre robbery while visiting the National Botanical Gardens with her family.
"So I turned back to take more photographs of the baby," she said, "and my daughter Caroline said 'Mam, he has your phone' - and I turned around and he just had my phone in his beak and he just flew right up over my shoulders."
The issue has escalated further this week with reports from Kerry that a group of gulls have killed sheep.
A farmer from Dingle claims that he had to fight off the attacking birds with a stick. Despite his efforts they managed to kill a mature ewe, he says.
"I am convinced, if I didn't have that stick, they might have attacked me," said sheep farmer John McCrohan.
Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland has been trying to bring some balance to the debate. In an opinion piece for theJournal.ie he outlines a number of points to bear in mind.
- Irish herring gull numbers have dropped by 50 per cent in recent decades
- Reports of aggressive birds in late July coincides with the time that chicks prepare to leave the nest. The gulls are very protective of their chicks at this time.
- Given the high number of city dwelling birds relatively few incidents of aggression are reported.
- The highest number of incidents happen in areas where people go to feed gulls. BirdWatch Ireland strongly discourage this.
- Herring gulls do the city a service by predating on mice and rats as well as dealing with food waste on the streets which could attract rodents.
Click here to read Niall's piece in the Journal.ie BirdWatch Ireland are also asking the public to submit information on gulls nesting on roof tops in urban areas. Click here to take part in their survey
 Another animal in the firing line in recent weeks is the Pine Marten. Local radio stations in the Midlands have heard calls for the species to be culled because of worries about increased numbers.
Dr Kate McAney of the Vincent Wildlife Trust was featured on Shannonside Radio in one such debate. Longford Councillor and local gun club member Paraic Brady started the debate claiming that pine martens are wreaking havoc in Longford. He claimed that pine martens are not native, they face no natural predator, and it was just a matter of time before they attack a child. Dr McAney quickly countered pointing out that pine martens are a native species, they have a natural predator the fox, and that they are a slow breeding species. It was later revealed that Cllr Brady's main concern was relating to the killing by the pine marten of pheasants released into the wild by gun clubs.
Dr McAney offered some advice on how poultry farmers and gun clubs can deal with the pine marten and proposed some further research in the Longford area to address the concerns and come up with a sustainable solution.
Click here to listen to the debate
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Environmental groups enter the discussion at the National Economic Dialogue
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The Environmental Pillar, an advocacy group made up of 28 national environmental NGOs, send a number of representatives to the National Economic Dialogue which will help frame Budget 2016.
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 National Economic Dialogue took place on the 16th and 17th July and was attended by the Taoiseach, Tanaiste, members of the Oireachtas and a range of social partners.
The aim of the dialogue is to facilitate an open and inclusive exchange on the competing economic and social priorities facing the Government as they prepare for Budget 2016.
Ois�n Coghlan, Director of Friends of the Earth Ireland, and Cillian Lohan, CEO of the Green Economy Foundation, both made contributions to the plenary session on behalf of the Environmental Pillar.
The environmental sector was represented further in a number of breakout sessions.
Click here to listen to Oisin's contribution and to watch the full plenary session
Theresa O'Donoghue, from environmental group FEASTA, took part in the break out sessions and she wrote a report about her experience. Click here to read Theresa's report
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Record breaking number seek to save the EU's wildlife laws
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Almost half a million people across Europe - including thousands from Ireland - have called on the European Commission to save Europe's nature laws.
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 This is by far the highest number of responses ever to an EU public consultation. The consultation formally closes at midnight on 26 July.
In May, major environmental organisations, including An Taisce, BirdWatch Ireland and other NGOs, launched the 'Nature Alert' campaign.
It was launched in response to the European Commission's suggestion to evaluate whether the existing EU nature laws should be changed. The campaign makes the case for improved implementation and enforcement of these existing laws, known as the Birds and Habitats Directives.
Alongside almost half a million citizens, over 120 environmental NGOs have sent a clear message to European decision makers: EU nature laws should not be changed.
The laws protect over 1,000 key species and over 27,000 natural sites in Europe. They have been credited with saving a number of iconic species native to Europe such as the Grey Wolf, the White-Tailed Sea Eagle and the Common Seal.
As a result, the EU is now home to the world's largest network of protected areas, Natura 2000, which covers almost a fifth of the EU's land as well as extensive marine areas.
Dr. Andrew Jackson, Natural Environment Officer and Solicitor for An Taisce, said:
"This consultation has united people across Europe in defence of wildlife. As this huge response shows, the public cares deeply about nature conservation and the laws that preserve our most treasured places, including our national parks and many hundreds of other spectacular sites across Ireland. The message to the European Commission is loud and clear: we need to see better implementation and enforcement of these laws, not renegotiation and weakening."
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Eco-Explorers Summer Camps
Places are still available for ECO-UNESCO's exciting summer camp for children 5-12yrs exploring nature in Dublin City. This is a jam packed outdoor and environmental summer camp for children -activities include: daily outings to the Phoenix Park - the largest walled park in Europe! Other activities include fun, interactive learning about nature and the environment; nature and tree trails, building a bug hotel and collecting mini-beasts to put in it!; art projects, creative recycling and lots and lots of games! Returnees please note the change in location for 2015 to their new space on Benburb street, C2 The Complex. (Benburb Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7 (next to Collins Barracks). For details see: Click Here
Places are still available for ECO-Explorers children's summer camps (5-12yrs) for the following dates:
July 27th-31st
August 10th-14th
August 17th-21st
Times: Camps are 10am-3pm with option of early drop off from 9am and late pick-up until about 5pm at the latest, no extra charge.
Cost: €100 per child, sibling discounts available through website.
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Natural Cosmetic Making
With Steffen Jorgensen. Natural cosmetics are easy and enjoyable to make when you know how. Items such as lip balm, moisturiser, bath bombs and face scrubs can all be made at home in your own kitchen. This practical course will show you how. Please bring along a large mixing bowl, a bucket/basin (to use as a foot bath) and a towel as we will be trying out the products. Come along and pamper yourself and learn how to make gorgeous, natural gifts for loved ones. Samples to take home! Cosmetic-making ingredients will be for sale on the day.
Date/Time: Sat 25th July
Location: The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
Contact:
[email protected]
Phone: (0)71 98 54338
Cost: €65
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Dry Stone-wall Building
With Richard O'Gorman. After being introduced to principles and techniques in the classroom, participants will build a dry stone wall from foundation level to the finished capping stage. The course includes traditional dry stone methods of building garden features such as garden seats or raised beds. Suitable for both the beginner and the more experienced person, allowing you to go away and apply these techniques at home. Very popular-book early!
Date/Time: Sat 25th & Sun 26th July
Location: The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
Contact:
[email protected]
Phone: (0)71 98 54338
Cost: €130
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International Bog Day
To celebrate International Bog Day, The IPCC is coordinating a number of events. For more information click here
Butterfly WorkshopMeet @ Wicklow Mountains National Park Education Centre, Upper Lake, Glendalough. Illustrated slide show about Irish butterflies followed by a walk to identify butterflies in the park. All are welcome to this event, but booking is essential as places are limited. National Parks and Wildlife Service staff of the education centre will give the workshop. Date/Time: 11am-1pm, Sat 25th July Location: Wicklow Mountains
National Park Education Centre, Upper Lake, Glendalough Contact/Further Details: Click here Phone: 040445656 Cost: Free
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Fun with Carnivorous Plants
The programme will include a slide show on Carnivorous Plants of Bogs, a walk on Lodge Bog to see insect eating sundews, pond dipping for children and a tour of Flytraps our special garden of insect eating plants. Refreshments served. Admission free. Families welcome. This event is run with the support of the Community Tourism Diaspora Initiative of Kildare County Council, F�ilte Ireland and IPB Insurance. Bring waterproof clothing and picnic.
Date/Time: 2-5pm, Sun 26th July
Location: Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.
Contact/Further details: Click here
Cost: Free
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Claggan Mountain Nature Walk
Guided nature walk along the Claggan Mountain Boardwalk. Weather permitting there will be an information stand in the car park at the start of the trail. This event is organised by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Free admission. No booking needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own snack. Date/Time: 2.30-3.30pm, Sunday 26th July Location: Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre, Co. Mayo. Contact/Further details: Click here Cost: Free
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Toghar D�ithi Ban Loop Walk
Guided nature walk along the Toghar D�ithi Ban Loop Walk. This event is organised by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Free admission. No booking needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own snack.
Date/Time: 3-4pm, Sunday 26th July. Location: Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre, Co. Mayo. Contact/Further Details: Click Here Cost: Free
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Clogher Bog Loop Walk
Self guiding tour of the Clogher Bog loop walk, 8km. The walk takes in the biodiversity of the flora of the bogland, which is a unique habitat for both common and rare protected species. The
terrain is flat and uneven (walking boots recommended.) Bring packed lunch and find your own picnic spot. Please note the Heritage Centre is closed on Sundays.
Date/Time: Sun 26th July
Location: Clogher Heritage Complex, Claremorris, Co. Mayo .
Contact/Further details: www.clogherheritage.com
Cost: Free
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Interactive Bog Event
Indoor family fun day focusing on bogs with a variety of interactive activities led
by National Parks and
Wildlife Service staff of
the education centre.
Open to the public.
Date/Time: 2-4pm, Sunday 26th July
Location: The Bridge House Education Centre, Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal
Contact/Further details:
Click here
Phone: 0761002691
Cost: Free
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Sonairte Summer Market
High quality stalls with an emphasis on upcycled, reclaimed and handmade items & gifts, crafts, homemade brown bread and scones, organic garden produce from Sonairte, vintage clothing and china, aloe vera and bee products, art, jewellery, garden furniture and planters, and lots more. Come and enjoy the atmospher and bring the whole family.
Date /Time: 11am - 4pm, Sunday 26th July Location: Sonairte, The Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath. Contact: [email protected]
Phone: 041 982 7572 Cost: Individual €15; Family €25 (2 adults/2 children); Student €5; Children under 5 - Free
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Organic Gardening Summer Workshop - Sow for the Winter
With Ingrid Foley. Keep your garden in good shape throughout the summer and reap the benefits of your earlier sowings. Tips, tricks, advice on best practice of maintaining soil fertility and healthy plants will be given and harvesting techniques discussed. Successive sowings and sowing for winter harvesting will be shown.
Date /Time: Sunday 26th July
Location: The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim, Ireland
Price:
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: +353-(0)71-98-54338
Cost: €65
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Nursery Volunteer Day
On this volunteer day Native Woodland Trust are looking for a number of people to come along and help out in our Polytunnel. Our young oak trees are growing well however there are weeds creeping up around them and we need some help to remove them. As space is limited in our Polytunnel please email if you think you can spare an hour to help out! Meeting point - Tropperstown Forest Car Park (located on the R755 between Annamoe and Laragh), Wicklow.
Date /Time: 11am-12.30pm, 26th July
Location: Native Woodland Trust Nursery, Wicklow. Contact: [email protected] Phone: 087 1953629 Cost: Free |
Mini Rangers Day
Become a wildlife conservation ranger for the
day with the National Parks
and Wildlife Service Rangers.
Discover how to protect
Clara Bog. This a prebooked
event suitable for 9-11
year olds.
Date /Time:
11am - 3pm, Tues 28th July
Location: The Clara Bog Visitor Centre, Co. Offaly
Contact/Further details:
Click here
Phone:
057 936 8878
Cost: Free
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Bat Conservation Training Course
Training course for the All-Ireland Daubenton's Bat Waterways Monitoring Scheme. Course includes a 1 hour presentation followed by discussion of sites and a visit to a local waterway to see bats in flight. Open to all.
The course is taking place at the following locations:
- Athlone Community Training Workshop, Lyster Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Date/Time: 8-10pm, Tues 28th July
- Ballycroy National Park, Newport, Co. Mayo.
Date/Time: 8-10pm, Wed 29th July
- Ballinderry Rivers Trust, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.
Date/Time: 8-10pm, Fri 31st July
Contact/Further details:
Click here
Cost: Free
| Go Wild with Nature Summer Camps
Week long summer camps for young nature explorers. The week includes bog walks, butterfly walks, pond dipping, nature crafts, frog and newt searches and lots more... Camps run from: 27th-31st July & 10th-14th August Bookings-contact Tel: 045860133. Date/Time: 27th-31st July & 10th-14th AugustLocation: Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare. Contact: 045860133. Cost: €50 per child with a discount for groups of children |
Eco-learn-Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles
Cloughjordan Ecovillage is a community on a journey to living sustainably. This event offers an overview and guided tour of the Ecovillage, specially arranged access to residents' homes that illustrate some of the features of the modern eco home and informative sessions on the impacts our lifestyles can have. The aim is to ensure that participants leave with useful takeaways and practical advice about the transition to a sustainable lifestyle. Accommodation: see Django's Hostel. www.djangos.ie
Date: 11am-5pm, Sat 1st August
Location: Cloughjordan Ecovillage Resilience Centre, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: 087 2624154
Cost: €30 with €5 reduction if you travel by train (or cash back at registration, if you prebook)
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Learn How to Live the Good Life
The August bank Holiday weekend sees the return of the famous "Good life course" with Hans And Gaby Wieland, who started their own Good Life Journey in Ireland in August 1985, 30 years ago.
There will be sessions on gardening, using herbs, making cheese, foraging, preserving and cooking. Inspirational, entertaining and a lot of fun with a few suprises!
On site camping available, ask for rates. Alternatively ask about local accommodation options. Places Limited! Price includes samples and tastings. Food available in the Grass Roof Caf�.
Date/Time: Sat 1st - Mon 3rd August
Location: The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim, Ireland
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: +353-(0)71-98-54338
Cost: €225
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Bridgefoot Street Community Garden Potato Harvest
The new Bridgefoot Street Community Garden is hosting an Open Day on August 1st.
Come help dig the potato crop and share in a meal grown, dug, and cooked on Bridgefoot Street!
Any acoustic musicians, singers, poets, street performers, stand up comedians ... are more than welcome.
We plan to donate the potatoes dug to the Mendicity Centre, for their use in providing free meals.
Bring suitable outdoor clothing! If you have any questions then please contact Robert Moss on or email.
Date/Time: Sat 1st of August 2015, 12pm-3pm (approx)
Location: Bridgefoot Street Community Garden, Liberties, Dublin 8.
Contact: Robert Moss - [email protected]
Cost: Free |
Fusion Fashion
This year Fusion Fashion will be holding its annual fashion show at Sonairte Eco Centre, Laytown. We like to think of this show as Festival Chic meets Catwalk Couture.
As Fusion Fashion really care about the environment, all proceeds raised will go to Sonairte. Tickets can be booked on the Sonairte website, or at the Sunflower Caf�.
It promises to be a great event, with artists from London, Belfast, Dublin, and of course Drogheda.
Keep your eyes posted on the Fusion Fashion Facebook page and the Sonairte website, for updates and teasers about the event. Suitable for all the family.
Date/Time:
6pm, Sunday 2nd August
Location: Sonairte, The Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath.
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: 041 982 7572
Cost: Individual €15; Family €25 (2 adults/2 children); Student €5; Children under 5 -Free
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Permaculture Design Certificate Course
Join the ecovillage's resident experts of permaculture, gardening, farming, perma-facture and green building for the opportunity to learn invaluable design and practical skills. This is Cultivate's 8th consecutive year holding the UK Permaculture Association accredited Permaculture Design Certificate ("PDC") Course at Cloughjordan Ecovillage.
This PDC is organised by Cultivate in association withCloughjordan Community Farmand Village Education Research and Training (VERT) at The Cloughjordan Ecovillage.
This course is full-time (and "full-on") from Friday evening (starting with dinner around 6pm) until the following Sunday afternoon (around 4pm) For details see: www.cultivate.ie
Date /Time: 14th-23rd August
Location: WeCreate, Cloughjordan Eco-Village, Co Tipperary.
Contact: Philippa or [email protected]
Phone: +353(0)505 56060
Cost: €550/ €495 members/ Some concessions available
| Food rescue event in Blanchardstown Dublin
Join Voice at their Food Rescue event in Blanchardstown this October.
You will learn how to make the most of your larder and stretch your produce to get the most from it.
VOICE is working with other organisations to raise awareness of food waste and looks to practical ways to reduce such waste and to redirect surplus food to Foodbanks. Bia Foodbank, Food Cloud and Stop Food Waste. VOICE has also worked with local communities to take the food waste challenge to reduce their food waste, through meal planning, better shopping and storage, and creative cooking, thus saving money. VOICE is hosting another Food Rescue event at Corduff Community Garden in October. Come along!
Date: 2nd October
Location: Corduff Community Garden Blanchardstown Dublin 15
Contact: For further details see the voice website voiceireland.org
Cost: Free event |
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L�nasa Festival
The Ring of Gullion has a range of events taking place for the L�nasa Festival.
Go Wild in the Ring of Gullion- Butterfly Safari
Join a butterfly safari among the rich heritage of the Ring of Gullion, Armagh. The archaeology in the Ring of Gullion is world renowned. The butterfly safari will be starting at Slieve Gullion Forest Park and heading by bus to a number of sites in the area.
Booking is essential.To book - Click here
This event is supported by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland.
Date: Thursday 6th August 11.00am-4.00pm
Location: Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road Killeavy, Newry, Co Armagh, BT35 8SW
Ambassador Guided Nature Walk
Join Ambassadors Aidan Kerr and Kevin Malone on a guided nature walk along the Hawthorn Trail; a 1.2km loop walk on the lower slopes of Slieve Gullion. Aidan and Kevin will give you insight into the flowers, trees and landscape which line the route.
The walk takes place on a good paths throughout and takes you through established deciduous woodland and along a section of coniferous woodland. Booking is essential. To book- Click here
Date: Wednesday 12th August 10.00am-12.00pm
Location: Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road Killeavy, Newry, Co Armagh, BT35 8SW
Go Wild in the Ring of Gullion- Wild about Plants and field trip
Join Dr. John Faulkner from BSBI and County Armagh Wildlife Society for a talk on the species of uncommon/declining plants species in South Armagh as highlighted in 2015 rare plant register for the county. After the talk, we will travel in a coach to visit some sites in the Ring of Gullion. Booking is essential. To book - Click here
Date: Thursday 20th August 11.00am-3.00pm
Location: Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road Killeavy, Newry, Co Armagh, BT35 8SW
L�nasa Festival:Go Wild in the Ring of Gullion -Precious Ponds
Join Cathryn Cochrane of the Conservation Volunteers, whether you want to create and maintain a haven for wildlife or build something more formal, this course will be a good place to start.
Ponds are an intrinsic part of any garden and can be created in the smallest area. The workshop is suitable for beginners and more experienced gardeners alike. There is also a chance to sign up for pond dipping in Slieve Gullion Forest Park in the afternoon, we will dip one of our ponds in the Forest Park to see how interesting and rewarding a good pond can be. This event must be booked separately on the Ring of Gullion website. To book - Click here
Date: Thursday 27th August 10.00am-12.00pm
Location: The Pastoral Centre, Jonesborough, Co. Armagh, BT35 8HR
All the above events are free of charge.
For further information contact:
Ring of Gullion office, [email protected] Tel: 028 308 28592
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Green Foundation Burren Summer School
The Green European Foundation, with the support of Green Foundation Ireland, are hosting the Burren Summer School, which takes place against the dramatic backdrop of the Burren, Co. Clare.
This year's format will be a Symposium, comprised of a Seminar and Workshop with the theme "Art, Food Security and Climate Change" and is part of The Burren Annual Exhibition 2015 "Beyond Sustainability".
Art Exhibition
This will showcase 'POTATO/BATATA', a collaborative project between local artist Deirdre O'Mahony and Chicago-based artist Frances Whitehead.
Seminar and Workshop
The morning Seminar, will be a conversation with artists and others about potatoes and other staple foods which can secure human survival in the context of climate change, featuring Deirdre O'Mahony, Eileen Hutton (environmentally-based American artist), Oscar Rando (Fundaci� Nous Horitzons, Catalonia), Christian Bettini (Food Cultura, Barcelona) and Dutch food artist Esther Boukema.
The afternoon Workshop, De Smaak te Pakken ("Getting a Taste for It") is presented by Esther Boukema. Esther developed an initiative which has enjoyed growing recognition, a mobile culinary laboratory where children could learn, hands-on, everything about food. She later added a more serious teaching programme for primary schoolchildren.
Potato Feast
On Saturday evening the Potato Feast takes place, produced by the Burren College of Art staff in collaboration with Deirdre O'Mahony and Christian Bettini of Food Cultura.
Dates/Times:
Art Exhibition - opens to the general public with a reception, 7:00pm, Fri 14th August
Seminar and Workshop - from 10:00am, Sat 15th August
Potato Feast- Saturday evening
Location: Burren College of Art, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Contact/Further details/ Online Booking: Click here
Cost: Seminar - €20 (incl. lunch and tea/coffee)
Potato Feast - €15 extra
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Consultation on Food Wise 2025
Sustainability is a major theme in this report. As part of the Food Wise 2025 process a draft Environmental Analysis Report (incorporating a Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Appropriate Assessment) was prepared in parallel and this environmental assessment has been taken into account in drafting Food Wise 2025 report.
In accordance with EU Directive 2001/42/EC and the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programme) Regulations 2004 (SI 435 of 2004, as amended) the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is undertaking a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Food Wise 2025.
In tandem with the publication of Food Wise 2025 available at www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodwise2025 , the draft Environmental Analysis Report (incorporating a Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Appropriate Assessment) is now up on the Department's website for public consultation for an eight week period with a closing date of 5.30pm on Friday the 28th August 2015. A questionnaire is also on the website.
Completed questionnaires should be emailed to [email protected] or sent by post to
Economics and Planning Division
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Agriculture House
Kildare St
Dublin 2
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/2025environmentalanalysis/
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Consultation on National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is inviting submissions on a new National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development and related strategic environmental assessment and appropriate assessment.
A copy of the draft Plan and associated environmental report are available for download from:
Click here
A written submission or observation with respect to the draft Plan and associated environmental report may be made to Department by the deadline date and will be taken into consideration before finalisation of the Plan.
Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject heading 'NSPA Consultation' or alternatively may be posted to:
Pauline McDonnell
Marine Agencies & Programmes Division
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
National Seafood Centre
Clonakilty
Co. Cork
Phone enquiries to Damien Clarke at 023-8859547
Deadline for receipt of submissions is 5.30pm on 24 July 2015.
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 Call for Submissions - (Extended Deadline)Teagasc Biodiversity Conference
Farmland Conservation with 2020 vision
21-22 October 2015 | Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Teagasc has announced a conference entitled 'Farmland Conservation with 2020 vision' and encourages submission of papers on relevant topics. This conference follows on from the successful conference on 'Conserving Farmland Biodiversity' organised by Teagasc in May 2011.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 aims to halt the decline of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services by 2020. The Food Harvest 2020 strategy highlights the need to develop effective methods for biodiversity conservation, as part of the development of sustainable production systems. A key aim of this conference is to address how the agriculture sector has responded to these and other policy objectives, and how prepared the sector is for similar policy objectives post 2020.
For offered oral presentations, priority themes will include (but not be restricted to):
- Analysis of current and forthcoming policies on biodiversity and agriculture
- Identification and management of High Nature Value farmland
- Ecosystem products and services
- Socio-economics of biodiversity conservation on farmland.
- Promoting biodiversity in the wider countryside, including on more intensively-managed farms.
- Freshwater ecology, agriculture and the Water Framework Directive.
For further information consult the Teagasc website - Click here
For any further queries contact Daire � hUallach�in - [email protected]Deadline for Submission of Papers - Monday 27th July (extension) |
Consultation as part of the Fitness Check of the EU nature legislation (Birds and Habitats Directives)
Public consultation as part of the 'fitness check' for EU nature legislation (Birds Directive, Habitats Directive) All members of the public and organisations are welcome to contribute. Objective of the consultation This consultation is designed to gather opinions on current EU nature conservation legislation (the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive) and its implementation to date, as part of the 'fitness check' that the European Commission is carrying out under its Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT). The fitness check looks at whether the current regulatory framework is proportionate and fit for purpose, and delivering as expected. Specifically, it assesses the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and EU added value of the legislation. However, the fitness check does not consider possible future changes to the legislation. If required, this would be done in a separate impact assessment. The results of this consultation will be assessed and summarised in a report, which will be made publicly available on the fitness check website: Click HereMore information and access to the questionnaire is to be found here: Click Here Deadline for Submissions is 24th July 2015
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Consultation regarding EU ecolabel for fishery & aquaculture products
The consultation is open to all stakeholder groups and individuals. We welcome participation from consumer groups, producer organisations, government bodies, public authorities, fishing and aquaculture companies, suppliers, retailers and NGOs. Objective of the consultation The regulation on a Common Market Organisation for fisheries and aquaculture products (CMO, Reg. EU 1379/2013) commits the Commission to submit a feasibility report on options for a Union-wide ecolabel scheme for fishery and aquaculture products. The consultation will contribute to this feasibility study. The consultation is intended to assist the Commission to understand opinions on the impacts and issues associated with fisheries and aquaculture ecolabels (positive and negative) from different stakeholder groups. Submissions to be given through questionnaire - Click Here For more information Click Here Deadline for Submissions is 31st July 2015
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Consultation on Constraints and Assessment Criteria regarding Water Supply Project
Irish Water is inviting members of the public and interested groups to give their views on the proposed Constraints and Assessment Criteria (and the approach to their use) to identify an Emerging Preferred Option whilst minimising the impact on people and the environment. The four technically viable options confirmed by Irish Water in no particular order of priority, are as follows: - DESALINATION
- LOUGH DERG (DIRECT)
- LOUGH DERG AND STORAGE
- PARTEEN BASIN (DIRECT)
Irish Water is now inviting submissions on the following: - What other national, regional or locally important constraints should Irish Water take into account when locating the infrastructure associated with each water supply option?
- Have you any comment on the proposed constraints and the approach to their use?
- Are there any Assessment Criteria other than those proposed which should be used in the next phase of options appraisal?
- How would you like to be communicated with us as the project progresses?
Feedback from the consultation process will be obtained through stakeholder meetings and written submissions which can be made by email to [email protected] or by post to Water Supply Project, Merrion House, Merrion Road, Dublin 4. All issues raised from this consultation will be reviewed and considered as part of the next phase of the process which will result in a Preliminary Options Appraisal Report (detailing an Emerging Preferred Option) due for publication and consultation later in 2015. If you require any further information please lo-call 1890 252 848 in the Republic or on 0845 246 5059 from Northern Ireland. Deadline for submissions is 4th August 2015.
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| Consultation on Coillte's BAU Strategic Plan Review
Coillte's current BAU (Business Area Unit) strategic plans and forest management plans are due for review at the end of 2015. With your help, Coillte will produce draft plans for the period 2016 - 2020 in the coming months. During this timeframe Coillte are asking stakeholders for their inputs into this consultation process.
There will be 4 stages in this public consultation process outlined in the table below:
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Stage
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Timeframe
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Phase 1 - Initial Inputs (6 week public consultation)
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July-August 2015
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Phase 2 - Coillte consider inputs from public
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August-September 2015
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Phase 3 - Draft plans formulated (6 week public consultation)
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September-October 2015
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Phase 4 - Coillte consider inputs to draft plan from public and produce final plan
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October - December 2015
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Coillte are asking for initial inputs now during Phase 1 in relation to what the public feel should be incorporated into this BAU strategic plan review process.
Submissions may be sent by email to [email protected] or by post to BAU Strategic Plan Consultation Process, Coillte, Dublin Road, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.
For more information please visit www.coillte.ie.
Deadline for submissions - Friday 28th August 2015.
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