European, Local and Bye elections - use your vote to give a voice to nature protection!
Thank you for visiting this page. The votes have been cast, we hope you found this webpage useful when making your decision
We are asking candidates to sign-up to pledges to protect our natural environment (please scroll down to view pledges). Comments are welcome from all candidates. All MEP candidates and all party offices were contacted in the Republic. Comments detailed below are in addition to signing up to the pledges. Watch this space in the run up to the June elections to see which candidates sign-up*.
European Election Candidates (listed alphebetically)
Name: Liam Aylward MEP Party: Fianna Fáil Constituency: Ireland East
Comments: I am happy to support the MEP pledges.
Name: Nessa Childers Party: Labour Party Constituency: Ireland East
Comments: The Labour Party's European election manifesto, launched on 13 May and available at www.labour.ie includes a commitment to the full implementation of EU environmental laws (p.16). Over the course of the outgoing European Parliament, my colleague Proinsias De Rossa MEP has repeatedly supported the full implementation of the existing Natura 2000 legislation. If elected to the European Parliament in Ireland East, I am committed to achieving progress on the objectives set out in your email and to working with BirdWatch Ireland on these issues.
Name: Senator Deirdre de Búrca Party: Green Party Constituency: Dublin
Comments: I am more than happy to sign up to these pledges.
Name: Proinsias De Rossa MEP Party: Labour Party Constituency: Dublin
Comments: The Labour Party's European election manifesto, launched on 13 May and available at www.labour.ie includes a commitment to the full implementation of EU environmental laws (p.16). Over the course of the outgoing European Parliament, Proinsias De Rossa MEP has repeatedly supported the full implementation of the existing Natura 2000 legislation. If re-elected to the European Parliament on 5 June for the Dublin constituency, which as you know falls from four to three seats, he is committed to achieving progress on the objectives set out in your email and to working with BirdWatch Ireland on the issues. Yours sincerely, Ger Gibbons, On behalf of Proinsias De Rossa MEP.
Name: Declan Ganley Party: Libertas Constituency: Ireland North West
Comments: 1. I believe that protection of Ireland's natural environment is of the utmost importance. It has for centauries been an integral part of our way of life and provided for the people of the West of Ireland, the environment, it's cultural and agricultural significance must be retained. I will work to see changes implemented where existing policy works against Ireland's environmental interests. 2. The current quota system on the Common Fisheries Policy has been a disaster for our marine resources and our fishermen. Designed to curb the damage over fishing was causing to our fish stock it has failed to improve this problem and has caused hundreds of tonnes of fish to be wasted. This must end. 3. Nobody knows the land better then those who use it. Most farmers realise that they must protect the land they farm to protect their livelihoods and their incomes. A country such as Ireland has a wealth of diverse environmental areas, each with specific requirements and threats, which must be managed by those with the deepest level of knowledge for each specific area. The Irish countryside, the resources it provides and the wildlife it sustains is a vital natural resource and must be protected for the benefit of all. 4. New renewable energy generation systems can play a huge part in halting the continued damage to the environment caused by conventional methods. Ireland is well suited to allow a substantial portion of its energy needs to be met by use of wind, solar, hydro and tidal power. Developed with respect for the natural environment these will have a substantial impact on Ireland's economy, lowering the cost of energy and also by creating jobs. Ireland should and can be a leader in the research and development of these technologies and should I be elected this will be one of my top priorities.
Name: Joe Higgins Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Dublin
Comments: Very happy to sign-up to the pledge
Name: Mary Lou McDonald MEP Party: Sinn Féin Constituency: Dublin
Comments: I am happy to pledge my support for the four statements you have listed. Sinn Féin believes that biodiversity and a clean environment are vital natural resources. Facing us are both challenges in dealing with our waste and habitat loss, and opportunities in using wind, solar and wave energy. The environment has been a key issue for us in Brussels and Strasbourg. The EU has brought forward much positive environmental protection legislation which Sinn Féin actively supports. In the EU Sinn Féin MEPs will:
• Prioritise environmental protection by supporting the highest level of environmental standards in EU legislation in Strasbourg, and by holding authorities at home to these standards.
• Support EU leadership in the promotion of sustainable development at the global, regional and national levels.
• Promote concerted action on ecosystems and the development and better implementation of successful EU biodiversity policies such as the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network of protected areas.
• Review all electromagnetic field (EMF) regulations in line with the findings of the Bioinitiative report on the health effects caused by increased exposure to wireless devices.
• Call for the revision of EU regulations so that public interest groups can seek judicial reviews of EU decisions in relation to environmental matters.
Name: Mairead McGuinness MEP Party: Fine Gael Constituency: Ireland East
Comments: I am very happy to support the BirdWatch Ireland pledge. Point 3 of the pledge is very important. Public benefits of a healthy wildlife-rich environment needs to be supported by public policy, appropriately funded, with policies based on good scientific analysis which yield results. This should be possible under a reformed CAP, whilst protecting farm prices and incomes.
Name: Patricia McKenna Party: Independant Constisuency: Dublin
Comments: During my previous terms in the European Parliament I have relentlessly pursued the issue of Ireland's non-compliance with EU Environment Law and I firmly believe that we need now more than ever a voice independent of Government to push for full and effective implementation of these directives.
Name: Susan O'Keeffe Party: Labour Party Constituency: Ireland North West
Comments: I am committed to the protection of the natural environment and am delighted to be able to support your excellent pledges. I applaud the work of BirdWatch Ireland for your dedication.
Name: Fiachra Ó Luain Party: Independant Constituency: Ireland North West
Comments: Since I was a child I have attended bird watches all around Cork Harbour where I grew up. I recorded the Crex Crex of an Ionian Corncrake in 2006 and it was for a longtime my ringtone. I strongly support all efforts to conserve our bio-diversity. 100% support for BirdWatch Ireland.
Name: Kathy Sinnott MEP Party: Independant Constituency: Munster
Comments: I would be delighted to sign these pledges. If re-elected I will do my best to promote these very important issues.
Local and Bye Election Candidates (listed alphebetically)
Name: Mick Barry Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Cork, North Central
Name: Cllr. Caroline Burrell Party: Green Party Constituency: Bray Town Council
Comments: I have been a Councillor on Bray Town Council for the past 5 years and I am a member of the Wicklow Heritage Forum so have got to know BirdWatch Ireland well and have worked together on different projects. I am a member of BirdWatch and partake in BirdWatch Ireland bird surveys. I am running as a Candidate in the Bray Area for the Town Council. I have also just produced a Community Update for the Greystones Electoral Area (see attached), which was delivered to every house in the area last week, as I am running as a Candidate there for Wicklow Co. Co. and have put in a few sentences about BirdWatch Ireland to highlight the fact that you are in the area and the good work that is provided. I would also be very supportive of any future plans BirdWatch Ireland may have, particularly in relation to further development of the Sanctuary in Newcastle.
Name: Cllr Dermot Connolly Party: Sinn Féin Constituency: Ballinasloe, Galway Co. Co.
Comments: I would confirm that I wish to support your three pledges for local authority candidates.
Name: Ruth Coppinger Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Muluddart
Name: Cllr. Terence Corish Party: Green Party Constituency: Dundrum DLRCC
Comments: This is motherhood and apple pie ! Of course I will try to achieve what is intended in the 3 principles of your campaign e-mail but 2 and 3 need a lot of working out. Number 3, especially, is fraught with the competing interests of wind turbines and avoidance of bird kill. The Greens in DLRCC will want to consult you on the implications for bird life of coastal developments in particular. (e.g. Booterstown, Dun Laoghaire Baths etc.).
Name: Clare Daly Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Swords Ward
Comments: I am very familiar with the excellent work that BirdWatch Ireland has engaged in around north County Dublin. I have and will continue to support the valuable input in many developments in the area. The efforts to protect the nature reserve at Turvey were particularly important. The pledge I will gladly support.
Name: Cllr. Mark Dearey Party: Green Party Constituency: Louth Co. Council
Comments: I want to sign up to and support the pledge issued by BirdWatch Ireland.
Name:Yinka Dixon Party: Green Party Constituency: Louth Co. Council
Name: Cllr. Dominick Donnelly Party: Green Party Constituency: Cork Co. Council
Comments: In addition to the 3 requested pledges, I willwork to protect and enhance the Special Protection Areas for birds within Cork Harbour, and work to set up an interpretive and educational centre for these SPAs, to inform the public better of the huge benefits we gain from our natural environment and wildlife.
Name: Adam Douglas Party: Green Party Constituency: Fermoy Town Council
Comments: I would be interested in signing this Pledge certainly.
Name: George C.E. Enyoazu Party: Green Party Constituency: Dundalk Town Co., Dundalk West
Comments: It's a natural thing to protect nature. Therefore, I do sign up.
Name: Frank Gallagher Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Drogheda, North Ward
Name: Brian Greene Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Malahide/Howth
Name: Joe Higinns Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Castleknock
Name: Ruairi Holohan Party: Green Party Constituency: Blackrock
Comments: Yes to all the points below. I’m a BirdWatch member and live 200 yards from Booterstown Marsh.
Name: Mary Kavanagh Party: Green Party Constituency: Ardee Town Co. & Louth Co. Co.
Comments: I fully endorse your aims and intend to persue the protection of our natural environment if I am successful in the local elections next month.
Name: Denis Keane Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Mulhuddart
Name: Dave Keating Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Cork, North East
Name: Terry Kelleher Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Balbriggan
Name: Cllr. Robert Kelly Party: Green Party Constituency: Howth/Malahide Ward,
North Dublin
Comments: I am very happy to sign up to the pledge proposed by BirdWatch Ireland. These are ideals that I have always followed naturally as a Green Party Councillor.
Name: John McCamley Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Swords
Name: Cllr. Mick Murphy Party: Socialist Party Constituency: Tallaght Central
Comments: I am a Socialist Party Councillors for Tallaght. South Dublin County Council has a large section of the Dublin Mountains within the County and we are very conscious of having the Dodder, the only Trout Fishing river that flows through a Capital City, flowing through the County. I have been active in support of a Campaign by Tallaght Community Council who have been fighting to have illegal dumps in the Mountains Mapped and Cleaned up and for development of the Dodder. We have been making some headway on both fronts.
Name: Cllr Niall O Brolchain Party: Green Party Constituency: Galway City
Comments: As a locally elected representative I will commit to the pledge 100%. They have been a large part of my agenda since I started in politics.
Name: Roderic O'Gorman Party: Green Party Constituency: Castleknock/Blanchardstown ward
Comments: Im delighted to support the pledge. Im not currently a councillor but if I am elected to Fingal CC, Id be happy to work with BirdWatch Ireland on pushing their policy priorities within the Council, particularly in the context of the new County Development Plan that is being drawn up for Fingal over the next two years.
Name: Darach Ó Murchú Party: Green Party Constituency: Kerry County Council
Comments: As a locally elected representitive I will help to deliver the content of the pledge.
Name: Rachel Pearson Party: Green Party Constituency: Drogheda Borough Council (North ward) Louth Co Council (Drogheda East ward)
Comments: Please add my name to the BWI pledge.
Name: Cllr Alan Price Party: Green Party Constituency: Borris
Comments: Just to say that I fully support the work that BirdWatch Ireland are doing and I will continue my work protecting our important eco systems in the Borris area.
Name: Dave Robbins Party: Green Party Constituency: Pembroke-Rathmines
Comments: I am more than happy to sign up to the three-point pledge for local election candidates. I am also interested in rivers and flood plains, which provide bird habitats.
Name: Stephen Wall Party: Green Party Constituency: Ballyfermot/Drimnagh Dublin City Council
Comments: I fully agree with the points on your pledge and with your policy documents. Among the main reasons for my decision to join the Green Party is an acute awareness of the necessity to protect biodiversity, natural habitats and ecosystems. Climate Change is obviously the largest problem we face in relation to these issues but it is by no means the only one. I believe we need Green representatives, at local government, Dáil and European level who are fully appreciative of the necessity to act on environmental issues and who also know what Ireland needs to do to place itself in a position to benefit from the Green economy that is being created. I am an architect by profession and planning is a passion of mine. We need to continue to ensue that planning is carried out in the most sustainable possible way, and that it has as little impact as possible on the natural world.
Name: Declan Waugh Party: Green Party Constituency: Skibbereen, Cork Co. Council
Comments: I believe I may be the first environmental scientist to stand for local elections in Ireland. I am a member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, The Landscape Institute, Chartered Institute of Waste Management, The Energy Institute, The Institute of Acoustics, a registered environmental auditor and chartered environmentalist. I want to bring these skills and experience to local government and support the economic re-generation of west cork through renewable energy, innovation, new technology, and ingenuity, address issues of environmental management, climate change adaptation, resource management, energy and food security. And finally but as important how the public sector, business and communities are going to adapt to a low carbon future.
As a environmental scientist I support fully the support the three statements and pledge my commitment to protecting the natural environment, biodiversity, our unique landscape and heritage and developing a low carbon economy. This is why I am standing as a candidate in the Local Elections, to make the environment a political issue and raise awareness within local government and the public that we must act responsibly and take action now on climate change.
We are asking candidate MEPS to pledge to:
1. Ensure the Irish natural environment, and the public benefits it provides, is afforded legal protection through the better implementation of nature conservation standards, like Natura 2000.
2. Make sure the use of our marine resources is in tune with nature. Only healthy seas can deliver fish stocks and buffer against climate change.
3. Work to deliver public benefits, such as a healthy wildlife-rich environment, from targeted agricultural measures and subsidies with a changed Common Agricultural Policy.
4. Support solutions to climate change that work with and not against our ecosystems and wildlife.
We are asking Local and Bye-election candidates to pledge to:
1. Ensure our natural environment, and the benefits it provides to local communities, is afforded protection through better, and more informed, decision-making.
2. Deliver public benefits, such as a healthy wildlife-rich environment, from targeted measures that protect landscapes and seascapes.
3. Support solutions to climate change that work with and not against our ecosystems and wildlife, and that will help protect local communities, wildlife and the benefits provided by our natural environment.
*BirdWatch Ireland is not affiliated with any Political Party.