January 2019 eZine

31st January 2019
Welcome to the 1st eZine for 2019

Message from the Chair – January 2019

28th January 2019

Happy New Year. I hope that 2019 brings all that you hope for.

Let me be blunt. We need your help. I know that you receiver a lot of requests at this time of the year but, if I don’t ask now, there is a real danger that An Taisce will not be able to continue the work it has been doing for over 70 years.

Natural Environment Work 2018

28th January 2019

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Each Natural Environment Officer (NEO) that join’s An Taisce’s advocacy team comes with their own special contribution. Elaine McGoff has a strong background in WATER and has hit the ground running last year. We thought you’d be interested to hear of the breadth and depth of An Taisce’s work in this area.

Data Centres – An Taisce’s Response 2018

28th January 2019

The annual growth in the storage of electronic data is a major global climate and energy consumption issue. To date 5 planning applications have come before An Taisce for our observations. Our response is outlined below.

A recent statement from the Government[1] opened on “Ireland’s ambition to be a digital economy hot-spot in Europe.” and the contribution of data centres to job creation “and support activities in locations with no physical/geographic connection to the data centre.”

Submission on EMRA RSES

23rd January 2019

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (“EMRA”) Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (“RSES”) should provide a long-term regional level strategic planning and economic framework in support of the implementation of the National Planning Framework (“NPF”) and the economic policies and objectives of the Government.

The RSES should address in greater detail at a regional scale, identifying regional assets, opportunities and pressures. Distributing future population growth and development across the region in a balanced manner.

Significant Submission on Burning Regulations

1st February 2019

The controversial Heritage Act is back in the public realm again, as the public consultation on the draft regulations and guidelines on the Burning Regulations has just closed.

It is currently an offence under the Wildlife Act to burn any vegetation growing on any uncultivated land from 1 March to 31 August, but the Heritage Act 2018 allows for a relaxation of the dates of the closed period for the burning of vegetation, extending it in to March, in certain circumstances and locations.