Horizons

Ian Lumley, heritage officer, An Taisce Firstly, we would like a recognition that continued investment in roads is futile and self-defeating through the generation of congested roads and increased emissions. We would like public transport investment to be recognised as the appropriate means of addressing both urban and inter-regional transport needs. Secondly, we would like the countryside to be recognised as an environmental, agricultural and economic resource and not an appropriate location for the scattering of commuter houses. Thirdly, we would like campaigners against dumps and incinerators to recognise that the only means of resolving the waste problem is to reduce the level of waste created.

Lorraine Dufficey, campaign manager, Irish Wildlife Trust It is my wish to see respect and appreciation of our natural heritage become the cornerstone upon which the sustainable future of our country is built. I hope the new year will bring a greater sense of co-operation and reconciliation between development and conservation interests, a new era which recognises the need for quality of life for all. The day everyone believes conservation and protection of our wildlife and habitats is a birthright is perhaps the greatest wish.

Charles Duggan, education/information officer, Dublin Civic Trust Tax relief (under Section 482 of the Consolidated Finance Act), which allows owners of designated buildings of architectural and historic importance to offset conservation and maintenance costs against their taxable income, has been limited by the recent budget to a ceiling of £25,000 per annum. We would like to see this raised to at least £150,000 to ensure the survival of Ireland's important buildings. We would also like to see an increase in the budget for conservation grants, which are allocated by local authorities. The current provisions, which allow for a maximum grant of £20,000 per building, also need to be amended. Grant aid of this amount doesn't come near to meeting the actual costs of conservation works to historic buildings be they large or small. Many local authorities are still without conservation officers, who have responsibility for the monitoring of the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of each local authority area. We would like to see more conservation officers appointed in the new year. Finally, we would like to see Dublin people becoming more involved and aware of the history and development of their city.

Jan Alexander, president, Crann We would like the public and those involved in timber industries to recognise that the goal of putting back native broadleaf (hardwood) trees is one really worth striving for with multiple aesthetic and practical benefits to everyone. Good quality hardwood trees can be grown here. They can be appreciated for their sheer beauty, the wildlife they encourage and the timber they supply. Highly qualified craftspeople in Ireland are forced to import hardwood timber because it isn't available here.

Melanie Hamilton, director, Conservation Volunteers Ireland We would like to see more volunteers in 2002. Conservation Volunteers Ireland and many other organisations cannot continue their work without them. Secondly, we would like to see the public reduce the number of car journeys through car pooling, using public transport whenever possible and/or cycling to and from school and work. Thirdly, we would like local authorities to provide more and better recycling banks and to develop centralised composting facilities. Industries also need to look into their manufacturing processes to find ways of preventing and minimising waste, through the use of reusable containers, the avoidance of over packaging and the use of recycled materials. Finally, we would like people to have a greater appreciation of our natural heritage.

Toal ╙ MuirΘ, incoming president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Firstly, we would like to see an improvement in the quality and quantity of housing being built as well as an understanding how good architecture can and is being achieved with higher residential densities. Secondly, we would like the planning system to become more streamlined, in tandem with the new Planning Act. Thirdly, we would like guidelines on how the social and affordable housing component will be implemented. Fourthly, we would like to see housing and health authorities planning in advance the integration of support services with housing for the most needy and marginalised in purpose-built social housing.