Environment umbrella group hits out at minister
More than 20 groups have joined forces to accuse a Government minister of failing the environment.
The umbrella group claims it has evidence of an attempt to weaken the ability of its organisations to protect the environment.
They have called for Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to reassess the balance of the Environmental Protection Agency’s newly appointed Advisory Committee.
The group – Environmental (Ecological) NGOs Core Funding (Ltd) – said the EPA’s board of directors and the committee, chosen just weeks ago by Mr Roche, does not contain any of its representatives and have requested a meeting to discuss how none of their six nominees were appointed on the committee.
The EPA aims to protect and improve the natural environment for present and future generations, taking into account the environmental, social and economic principles of sustainable development.
Its advisory committee includes members of the The Institute of Engineers of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Royal Irish Academy.
Karin Dubsky, of Coastwatch, said the committee should be protecting the country’s environment and not its economy.
“There is ample business interest represented on the EPS’s directorship and advisory board, and there is nothing wrong with that, but there needs to be a balance,” she said.
“We had expectations that at least one of our nominations would fill a position but they didn’t. We are asking for this imbalance to be address as soon as possible.”
A spokesman for Mr Roche said the minister has no intention of revisiting the appointment of the board.
“The advisory committee he appointed represents various sectors, from farming to business,” he said. “The minister doesn’t believe there is an imbalance and will not be revisiting the issue.”
