BIRDWATCH Ireland have this week hit back at criticism by ICMSA regarding the decision to appoint a representative from its organisation onto the European Economic and Social Council (EESC).
Previously ICMSA has expressed its “absolute fury” at the government’s decision to “pull” the ICMSA seat on the EESC and “hand it over” to a representative from Birdwatch Ireland.
In a statement to The Nationalist Michael Ewing, Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership coordinator stated that his organisation was invited by the department of an taoiseach to nominate a representative to the EESC. “As a social partner the Environmental Pillar is entitled to a place on the EESC, along with representatives of the other pillars.
The Environmental Pillar elected Siobhan Egan of BirdWatch Ireland to be its representative,” said Mr Ewing.
“BirdWatch Ireland is one of the 27 member organisations of the Environmental Pillar,” he added.
“It is clear that Ireland stands to gain economically as a result of the inclusion of the Environmental Pillar on the EESC. To date there has been an absence of environmental expertise in many of the issues facing Europe today – climate change, biodiversity loss and the energy crisis. Many jobs will be created if Ireland rises to these challenges. Many of these jobs will be created in rural Ireland,” said Mr Ewing.
“From the environmental perspective there is no urban/rural divide when it comes to access to clean air and water, healthy soils and biodiversity. Sustainable farming and sustainable rural communities are in all our interests,” Mr Ewing said.