This year’s Environment Ireland conference, which takes place on 14 September, will focus on the environment and Ireland’s green economy.
Key areas that will be explored at the event, which is organised in association with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, include eco-efficiency, a sustainable urban future, renewable energy and investing in water, waste water and waste infrastructure.
With the water and waste water sector currently worth more than €1bn per year, renewable energy worth €700m annually and the waste sector worth an estimated €500m per year, John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, who will speak in the opening session, says all of these sectors will see significant investment in the coming years.
The keynote address will be given by Will Day, chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, the UK Government’s independent advisory body on sustainable development. In May 2010, Day also spoke at the Business & Leadership Green Economy Briefing.
Other speakers include Leo O’Reilly, permanent secretary, Department of the Environment Northern Ireland, who will speak about addressing Northern Ireland’s environmental policy priorities.
Mary Kelly, director-general, EPA, will examine the role of environmental management in economic recovery.
Driving the green economy
Domhnall Carroll, head of Industry Division, Siemens Ireland, will talk about creating smart and sustainable cities of the future, while Brian Motherway, chief operations officer, head of Strategy, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, will give a glimpse inside the smart economy, detailing the experiences of energy and environment entrepreneurs.
Ireland’s waste and water infrastructure
Maria Graham from the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government will talk about the Water Services Investment Programme, while Teri Hayes, Environmental Services director, WYG Ireland, will explore how we can maximise the benefits from Ireland’s water resources.
The conference will be held in Croke Park Conference Centre. The full conference programme and details of registration are available here.
