Tomorrow, Wednesday July 22^nd from 1.00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the Tailors’ Hall, Back Lane, Christchurch, Dublin 8, An Taisce, Ireland’s National Trust, is expanding its successful Heritage in Trust series of corporate breakfasts with a luncheon aimed at senior executives from some of Ireland’s biggest businesses to enable them to meet and listen to the legendary Senator Feargal Quinn, founder of the successful Superquinn chain, as he discusses the importance of sustainability and the environment.  Ireland’s most respected climate scientist Professor John Sweeney, who has just taken over from Éanna Ní Lamhna as honourary president of An Taisce, will also speak at the luncheon. Also in attendance will be Ireland’s Master Tailor, Louis Copeland, who has recently launched an effort with fellow Irish retailers to help restore and protect the Tailors’ Hall.

 

“Perhaps our economy took precedence in the boom years over sustainable policies towards our environment. However, rather than being downbeat about the current economic downturn, we should look at it as an opportunity to look at new ideas for sustainable development in Ireland and it is the perfect opportunity to ‘rethink’ our attitudes towards the environment,” said Senator Feargal Quinn.

 

"Ireland's recent prosperity was founded on principles of partnership. As members of the newly established environmental pillar of national partnership, An Taisce looks forward to strengthening its links with the business and commerce sectors to face the challenge of climate change and protecting Ireland's unique environmental assets which lie ahead,” said Professor John Sweeney.

 

An Taisce, now in its 60^th year, carries out a huge range of work, from monitoring Blue Flag beaches to working with 90% of our schools through the Green Schools programme; and from policy work on forestry to protecting wildlife and natural systems upon which we all depend through advocacy and partnerships.  All of these projects urgently require funding.

The luncheon is aimed at raising awareness of some of the diverse work carried out by the charity, and An Taisce will be seeking support from its guests to develop its role as the protector of Ireland’s built and natural heritage. “I am glad that An Taisce is putting the message across that forests and the environment are fundamentally important to our economy,” said Senator Quinn.

 

There will be an opportunity for press to take photographs at the conclusion of the event.

 

 

 

 

Maria Christina Wurschy

An Taisce

Tailors' Hall

Back Lane

Dublin 8

direct telephone 01 707 7068

main telephone 01 454 1786

fax. 01 453 3255