North green alliance: A coalition of environmental organisations in Northern Ireland is calling for an independent environmental protection agency for the region.
At the launch of a new report on Thursday, the group stressed the importance of thorough environmental protection in Northern Ireland and new and/or better institutions for pollution control, wildlife protection and heritage conservation. The report, Transparency and Trust: Reshaping Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland by Professor Richard Macrory from University College London suggests the creation of new cross-departmental sustainable development assembly committees and the creation of a post for an environmental audit commissioner. Environmental organisations represented by the coalition include Friends of the Earth, National Trust, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Woodlands Trust and the Ulster Wildlife Trust.
See www.epconsultni.org.uk for more details.
No to backyard burning
As a spring-cleaning zest takes hold in homes and gardens, some people will choose to burn rubbish in their back garden. And the recent bin charges may increase the number of those considering this form of waste reduction. However the Environmental Protection Agency is keen to point out that backyard burning, as it is known, is not an environmentally friendly waste management strategy. In fact, 200 people burning waste in their backyard can produce as many dioxins as an incinerator serving 120,000 people. "73 per cent of our dioxins are produced from open burning," says Gerry Carty from the EPA on a recent EcoEye programme.
Don't strangle your trees
Trees are an inherent part of landscaping in new residential and industrial developments. They add colour, benefit wildlife and help air-condition the surroundings by absorbing greenhouse gases, releasing oxygen, filtering dust, smoke and fumes. However, maturing trees can become irreparably damaged if supportive ties are not removed.
A writer in the current issue of Crann, Ireland's tree magazine, explains how such original aids can cut into the bark as the tree grows and strangle it. The writer recommends that all large staked trees be checked to ensure that tree ties are not cutting into the bark. If a tree is well-established and able to stand alone, the stake and ties should be removed.
Tours in Cavan and Dublin
Members of the Irish Georgian Society (IGS) are heading to Cavan for a day-tour on Saturday, April 17th. IGS member John Holohan will lead the tour, visiting Farnham House, Kilmore Cathedral, Ballyhaise House and other buildings in Cavan town. (65 for non-members).
On Saturday, April 24th, Katriona Byrne, author of Pearse Street: A Study of the Past: A Vision for the Future, will give a walking tour of the Pearse St area in Dublin. The tour will pay special attention to the social and architectural history of Pearse Street and include a visit to the recently refurbished Gilbert Library (15). Bookings on fax: 01-6620290 or e-mail info@irishgeorgiansoc.org