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26th May 2006
ESI IRELAND ESTABLISHED
A recent meeting of foresters, farmers and conservationists held in the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, formed a new group called the European Squirrel Initiative Ireland. (ESI Ireland)
The new organisation, a sister group to ESI U.K. appointed Jack Bayly from Nenagh, Co Tipperary as its Chairman with Irene Dehaene, Treasurer and Phyllis Boyd as Secretary.
“We are delighted that an all Ireland European Squirrel Initiative has been formed The new group will help to drive forward the overall objectives of ESI by highlighting the plight of the red squirrel and encouraging governments and others to look at effective ways of controlling the American grey squirrel,” said Miles Barne, Chairman of ESI (UK).
“In many respects Ireland is ahead of Britain in recognising and dealing with the problem of the grey squirrel. The Irish Government has pledged significant resources to develop effective methods of control and we are confident that ESI Ireland will quickly become an effective voice in the defence of Irish forestry, woodland birds and red squirrels.”
Ireland with Britain and Italy are so far the only countries in Europe with grey squirrels.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of the ESI by Kendalls. For more information, please contact Andrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022. Mobile: 07850 601354
NOTES TO EDITORS
The European Squirrel Initiative was founded in June 2002 by a group of concerned conservationists and foresters. The organisation seeks the restoration of the native Red Squirrel and the protection of the natural environment by removing the impact of the alien Grey Squirrel in Europe.
Its role is to
- Persuade conservation bodies and governments of the absolute necessity of ridding Europe of the Grey Squirrel.
- Continue to commission research into the impact of the Grey Squirrel on local ecosystems.
