An introduction to the Environmental Pillar. The Environmental Pillar is made up of 26 national environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who work together to represent the views of the Irish environmental sector.

1. 1Michael Ewing - Coordinator

2. • 1987 Social Partnership established
– Farmers, Trade Unions and Employers
• 1997 Community and Voluntary Pillar
included
• April 2009 - Environmental Pillar established
following a decision of the Cabinet
2Michael Ewing - Coordinator

3. Advocacy Coalition of National Environmental NGOs
An Taisce. Bat Conservation Ireland. BirdWatch Ireland. CELT. Coast
Watch. Coomhola Salmon Trust. Crann. Curlew Trust. Cultivate.
ECO UNESCO. Feasta. Forest Friends. Friends of the Earth. Global
Action Plan Ireland. Gluaiseacht. Good Energies Alliance Ireland.
Green Economy Foundation. Green Foundation Ireland. Hedge
Laying Association of Ireland. Irish Peatland Conservation Council.
Irish Seed Savers Association. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. Irish
Wildlife Trust. The Native Woodland Trust. The Organic Centre.
Sonairte. VOICE. Zero Waste Alliance Ireland
3Michael Ewing - Coordinator

4. “The continuing success of Irish society depends fundamentally
on the preservation of the overall productivity, health and long
term sustainability of the eco-systems and environmental
services that underpin and supply many
of the most basic components
of human welfare - such as
healthy soils, flourishing
biodiversity, clean water
and clean air.
4Michael Ewing - Coordinator

5. STRUCTURE
• Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU)
between members
• Consensus decision-making
• Plenary
• Steering Committee
• Action Groups with approved work packages
• Coordinator and secretariat support
5Michael Ewing - Coordinator

6. Representation on:
– European Economic and Social Council
– National Economic and Social Council
– A range of Government advisory bodies e.g. National
Forestry Policy Review Group; RDP Monitoring Committee;
2025 Agri-Food Review; CAP Post 2013 Consultative
Committee; Biodiversity Forum; Sea Fisheries Advisory
Committee; Housing Forum; Public Transport Forum;
Designated Areas Appeals Boards; The National
Monitoring Committee of the European Fisheries Fund;
Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management
(CFRAM); Offshore Renewable Energy Steering Group;
Waste Advisory Group; Irish Water Stakeholder Forum;
Hen Harrier Threat Response Programme; RIFFs
6Michael Ewing - Coordinator

7. Local Representation
– Until 2013, 166 people nominated to:
– County Development Boards
– Strategic Policy Committees
– Boards of Integrated Local Development Companies
• Now - validating body for membership of the
Environmental Electoral Colleges of the 31 Public
Participation Networks
• Environmental Networks established in each local
authority area
Michael Ewing - Coordinator 7

8. 2017 Action Groups
Michael Ewing - Coordinator 8
Climate Action and Energy Transition
Environmental Education in Second Level Schools
Greening the Budget
Marine Protected Areas
Researching, Testing and Publishing a Good
Practice Guide on Citizen Engagement
Safeguards for birds and biodiversity in
afforestation
Circular Economy
Biofuels and Bioenergy

9. European Citizens Initiative
A European citizens' initiative is an invitation to
the European Commission to propose legislation on
matters where the EU has competence to legislate. A
citizens' initiative has to be backed by at least one
million EU citizens, coming from at least 7 out of the 28
member states. A minimum number of signatories is
required in each of those 7 member states.
Michael Ewing - Coordinator 9
http://environmentalpillar.ie/people4soil/

10. People4Soil
Soil is one of the most strategic resources of Europe, as it
ensures food security, biodiversity conservation and climate
change regulation. It's time to protect the soils of Europe.
http://environmentalpillar.ie/people4soil/ 10

11. Coalition 2030
Michael Ewing - Coordinator 11

12. Thank You
Go raibh maith agaibh
www.environmentalpillar.ie
Michael Ewing - Coordinator 12