ENVIRONMENT

The challenges facing our environment are many and varied. Some require action on the international level, but many are simply local. The current system of “taxing” citizens into compliance with local authority refuse strategies is counterproductive. In many areas fly-tipping has increased, especially in the semi-rural areas outside cities and major towns. The whole emphasis of the current system must be reviewed. A more proactive partnership approach to waste management is required where ownership of the problem is assumed willingly and with enthusiasm by the citizens. Climate change is a very serious problem yet to be fully appreciated and understood by many in Ireland. The challenges posed by climate change will impact on each and everyone of us and yet, many of us are simply prepared to ignore this fact. Jobs, communities and our economy all will suffer unless we tackle the problem nationally and internationally. Local authorities throughout Ireland should establish local environmental protection partnership fora to highlight climate change issues at local level and to establish local community based initiatives aimed at educating and assisting the public on this very important issue. Legislation on climate change is a vital necessity and therefore, it cannot be ignored by our politicians - the government MUST act on this issue with urgency.

(pictured above, fly-tipping in the laneways in the centre of Dún Laoghaire. The ugly sight of fly-tipping is now increasingly seen in the semi-rural areas outside our cities and larger towns in our "Emerald Isle").