The relentless pace of development in Galway city has forced several environmental bodies to form an umbrella group.
The new Galway Environmental Alliance (GEA) held an open day at the weekend. Vanishing trees and green spaces, the waste crisis and the proposed "enhancement" of Eyre Square were among themes discussed.
Speakers included Sheila Gallagher, of the Woodquay Residents' Group, which has been battling for five months against a Galway Corporation scheme for river walks; Joe Quilty, a tree expert; Aine Suttle, of Galway for a Safe Environment who opposed incinerators in Toronto for six years; Sean O'Donnell, of Cairde na Gaillimhe; and Derrick Hambleton, chairman of An Taisce's Galway branch.
Co-ordinator of the alliance is Niall O Brolchain, who chaired several of the sessions.
During discussion on Eyre Square, it was claimed the enhancement plan would severely reduce the tree population.
Environmentalist Tony Luff, of Galway Swan Rescue, praised those who helped rescue birds affected by an oil spill in the Claddagh late last year.
The landscape, meanwhile, is the theme of next weekend's festival in the Connemara village of Letterfrack, hosted by the Connemara Environmental Education Centre (CEEC).
The CEEC has put together a team to mark "Tareis na Feile Bride" which includes archaeologist Ned Kelly, of the National Museum; botanist Micheline Sheehy-Skeffington; ecologist Mike Miller; marine biologist Dave McGrath; Celtic priest Dara Molloy; and poet Mary O'Malley.
There will be music from Sean Tyrell, Liam Lewis, Liz Keane, Yvonne Kane, Mary Staunton and others. A conference on the theme "Touching the Earth - Making a Start" opens at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday in Letterfrack national school. For details contact the CEEC at (095)41034 or 43443 or fax (095)41112.