Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t An Taisce a government department (semi state)?
No An Taisce is a charity and was set up over 60 years ago, we rely almost exclusively on private donations and membership to survive and do our valuable work.
Doesn’t An Taisce always stop people from getting planning permission?
An Taisce is a prescribed body under the planning act which means that planning authorities are obliged to send us details of any development that affects an amenity area, or archeologically sensitive site. Our only power is one that is open to any member of the public in that we can make a submission or a suggestion about a plan. Our influence is caused by our knowledge and experience. We do not give or withdraw planning permission. We essentially only remind planners and developers about national and international laws and make sure they stick to them. We actually only make appeals to an Bord Pleanala in a tiny minority of cases. Planning is also only one aspect of our work, we also have a wide remit for education, for example did you know that the most effective environmental education programme in Ireland, the Green Flag is run by An Taisce; that the biggest voluntary effort in Ireland, the National Spring Clean, involving half a million volunteers is run by An Taisce and that we have a unit dedicated to biodiversity and another devoted to promoting renewable energy.
Why aren’t you protecting x church, y castle or z marsh in my area?
We do not have funds to protect every single structure of interest or wildlife habitat in the country, but if you would like some advice about protecting it from particular threat e.g. a development if you need to know who to go to to prevent damage please contact our offices on 01 4541786 and we will be able to give you some advice, or put you in contact with the right people in other organisations to help you.
Isn’t €45 a lot of money?
It is comparable to many other charities in Ireland, but by giving to An Taisce you are covering far more areas than some of the single issue organisations. €45 given to An Taisce will help conserve built and natural heritage that we own in trust for the Irish People, it will help our work in biodiversity, energy, planning and heritage as well as education, advocacy and sustainability. In addition there are generous discounts for retired people for students and the unemployed. €45 a year works out at under 90c a week a really good investment in the future of Ireland – less than the cost of a cup of coffee!
I don’t trust direct debits, why do you want me to sign a direct debit?
A direct debit on €45 saves us around about €4 on administration compared to other methods of payment, and so means that more of your membership goes to the activities that you want to support. A direct debit also helps us to plan ahead and make more efficient use of your membership fee. We cannot change the amount of money we ask for through a direct debit without asking you first and we will always let you know in advance when we are going to take the direct debit so you remain in control. You can cancel a direct debit whenever you want.
What do I get out of membership?
You will benefit from
- Regular newsletter and communications about our work and topics of interest
- Regular high quality magazine focussing in depth on an environmental issue of national interest.
- The opportunity to take part in local events at a reduced rate through our network of local associations
- Free admission to the properties that An Taisce manages. Reduced entry and other benefits at many heritage properties, gardens and attractions around Ireland, and reduced or free entry to the properties owned or managed by National Trusts around the world.
- Membership of a charity whose views on the environment of Ireland are heard and respected.
- A source of advice about biodiversity, planning and energy issues
How many people are included in a family membership?
2 adults and 2 children are included in the membership.
What proof is needed for other classes of membership e.g. student
A relevant id card e.g. bus pass or student id or can be requested or we will simply take the word of the person, if you are willing to claim that you are retired we are not going to argue!