Charity to mark 20th Chernobyl anniversary

The Chernobyl Children's Project (CCP) will today lead several nationwide events to mark the 20th anniversary of the Ukraine …

The Chernobyl Children's Project (CCP) will today lead several nationwide events to mark the 20th anniversary of the Ukraine nuclear disaster.

The Chernobyl Children's Project (CCP) will today lead several nationwide events to mark the 20th anniversary of the Ukraine nuclear disaster.

As people gather around the world to mark the 1986 tragedy, CCP founder Adi Roche will pay a courtesy visit to President Mary McAleese at Aras an Uachtarain.

Ms Roche will present the president with a copy of her new book, Chernobyl Heart - 20 Years On, which includes an introduction written by Mrs McAleese.

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Ms Roche will later attend a remembrance ceremony in St Patrick's Park with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Catherine Byrne, and dignitaries.

A pipe band and choir will perform as Cllr Byrne unveils the Peace Garden Stone.

This afternoon the Green Party mark the anniversary by placing windmills on the strand adjacent to the Pigeon House Chimneys of the Poolbeg Generating Station.

The gesture is intended to mark the need to change to renewable energy to ensure a disaster like Chernobyl is never allowed to happen in Ireland.

Cork City will host an ecumenical service and white doves will be released on the streets.

A tree-planting ceremony will be held in Cahir, Co Tipperary, where local school pupils will also read poems.

Children in Kinnegad will hold a candle-lit ceremony after dark at the local Thomastown Harbour.

The town of Tralee, Co Kerry, will also commemorate the disaster by focussing on the heroics of the firefighters at the plant.