Horizons

Architecture and war:A forthcoming conference, The Politics of Architectural Destruction, will look at whether architectural destruction is a technique of war, the long-term implications of such destruction, and what influences the creation of replacement buildings.

It takes place in Castletown House, Celbridge, Co Kildare on April 23 and 24 and is hosted by the Centre for Studies of Historic Irish Houses and Estates (CSHIHE) and the department of history at NUI Maynooth. A CSHIHE seminar, What makes a Historic House a Quality Attraction?, will be held next Thursday at the same venue. More details on 01-7086152 or cshihe@nuim.ie.

Tidy Towns time

Volunteerism is the focus of this year’s Tidy Towns competition, and Tidy Town committees across the country are seeking volunteers to help over the next few months. The Recycling Initiative, sponsored by recycling organisations, encourages each town to examine options for re-use and recycling. Everything from electrical equipment to vehicles to farm plastic and compostable material is included. See tidytowns.ie and volunteeringireland.com or tel. 053-9117347. The closing date for entry to the Tidy Towns competition is May 24.

Planners convene

Planning for a Smarter Ireland is the title of the Irish Planning Institute’s national conference in Tullamore, Co Offaly, next Thursday and Friday. A key issue up for discussion will be the role planning and local government can play in finding solutions to the ghost estates and empty buildings in villages, towns and cities throughout Ireland. New Minister for State for Planning, Ciaran Cuffe of the Green Party, will outline his views on what can be done. The Minister, who is also responsible for sustainable travel and horticulture is a qualified architect. See irishplanninginstitute.ie or tel. 01-8788630.

Ecoweb

seai.ie

Check out details of next week’s Energy Show on this Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland website. Taking place on Wednesday and Thursday in the RDS in Dublin, the show will feature the latest in sustainable energy technologies and practices.

Advanced booking is advised for workshops and seminars.