Get on your bikes: Heralded locally as the initiative that will encourage Irish people to get back on their bikes, Dublin's hosting of the biannual international conference on cycling issues, Velo-City 2005 next week will bring together an impressive range of experts from North and South America and throughout Europe.
From May 31st-June 3rd, town planners, road engineers, education and health policymakers will discuss such topics as the integration of cycling and light rail, valuing the health benefits of cycling, creating a bicycle culture, cycle-friendly employers and designing cities as cycling-friendly environments. The EU Commissioner for Transport, Jacques Barrot (a cyclist), will address the closing session on Friday at 12.15pm, which will be followed by the announcement of the winning city for Velo-City 2007. Velo-City 2005 is coordinated by the Dublin Transportation Office. See www.velo-city2005.com.
Young environmentalist award
An unauthorised plastic-recycling plant was closed down following investigations by the students at St Joseph's College, Athlone, Co Westmeath, as part of their project for the Eco-unesco and Enfo Young Environmentalist Awards 2005. The students won the senior category of this year's awards for their brave work.
Congratulations also to the pupils at the Glenlola Collegiate School, Castle Park, Bangor, Co Down, who won the junior category with their investigation into alternative energy sources.
Their work led to greater awareness and the school has since switched to green energy (solar panels have been installed), has started paper-recycling and planted 700 willow trees in the school grounds.
Anne Behan award
Community and voluntary groups involved in enhancing the social, cultural and environmental fabric of their areas have just two weeks left to enter their project in a new award scheme. The Anne Behan Community Sustainability Award will celebrate projects which protect the natural environment while also engendering good civic spirit. The award commemorates the life of committed environmentalist and independent environmental consultant Anne Behan, who died last year. Application forms are available from Feasta, the Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability, 10a Lower Camden St, Dublin 2. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 10th. See also www.feasta.org
Birdwatch appeal
Birdwatch Ireland has just launched an appeal for funds to develop its East Coast Nature Reserve at Blackditch Wood. Sited close to its headquarters in Newcastle, Co Wicklow, the 220-acre reserve is now fully designated for nature conservation. Work completed to date includes the clearing of conifer plantations and banks constructed for kingfishers to nest in. Work for which finances are needed include building bird hides, boardwalks and the purchase of practical tools and equipment.
See www.birdwatchireland.ie or the current issue of Wings magazine.