Nationwide Meetings to select Environmental Representatives for new River Basin Water Advisory Councils
Environmental Reps. for New Water Advisory Councils
The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) is co-hosting, with its member environmental groups* a series of meetings nationwide to select the environmental representatives to go forward for seven water Advisory Councils; one in each of seven regions (River Basin Districts) throughout the country.
What’s the purpose of the meeting and who should attend? The purpose of the meetings is to select the best qualified nominees from the environmental community, which we will then put forward to represent the environment on the River Basin District water Advisory Councils. If you are interested in how the rivers, lakes, bays and groundwater of your region are managed and you would like a say in who should represent the environment on the new Water Advisory Councils, to promote sustainable water management, then this meeting is for you. You may even be interested in putting yourself forward for the Council. If so, then your participation in one of these meetings is particularly welcome. Contact info@swanireland.ie for all the information you need and see the Events tab of the VOICE website for locations and times of the meetings.
Monday, January 25, 2010
THE recent hardship caused by burst water pipes highlighted the precarious condition of our water supply network. That approximately 40% of all water in Ireland is lost in leakage was widely publicised in recent weeks when so many pipes failed in the freeze. Though many people were previously unaware of the dire condition of the national network of water pipes, the rate of leakage – the highest in the EU – has been criticised by Brussels for some time. The excuse we are being given for this level of leakage is that the pipes are old, but this is not the whole story.
Two 8 foot tall, blinking, walking, talking and dancing Polar Bears set off yesterday January 20th from Dublin Zoo to encourage the people of Ireland to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. The bears were waved goodbye by Dublin Zoo Director, Leo Oosterweghel and 10:10’s campaign’s manager, John Hesnan.
The NGO organisers are seeking to get as many people, organisations, businesses, and educational institutes to sign up to reduce their own emissions by 10% over the year 2010 as possible. ‘Polar Bears are an iconic image of global warming,’ John explained. ‘We are delighted to have them on our side in this campaign and know they will receive a warm welcome wherever they go.’ Dublin Zoo Director Leo Oosterweghel was very supportive and excited about the prospects of the campaign. Dublin Zoo is committed to reducing its carbon footprint this year and fully supports the 10:10 initiative.
Happy New Year from all of us here at VOICE! Be sure to sign up to the 10:10 campaign and to download our latest newsletter below.