Upcoming nature events
Throw off the old blocks
The days of the nine-inch cavity block as the principal building material in Ireland are numbered, according to a report in the current issue of Construct Ireland. Already banned in some countries, such cavity blocks allow houses to be built quickly but in the long term, they provide poor insulation and therefore higher heating costs. The forthcoming EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will challenge the use of such materials in housing. However, Irish timber frame building manufacturer Gerry McCaughey believes vested interests in the building industry here will slow down the implementation of the EPBD, due to be adopted in January 2006. See www.constructireland.ie.
Want not Waste not
Reducing waste in the home is the theme of this year's Eco Week in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, which begins on Monday. Householders can attend "slim your bin" workshops in local libraries and at the Eco Day next Saturday in County Hall, Marine Road, DúLaoghaire. This runs from 10am to 1pm and as well as energy awareness workshops there will be lots of environmentally friendly goods for sale. Meanwhile, experts will be on hand to help businesses reduce and recycle their waste at a Race Against Waste seminar in County Hall on Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Waste reduction and composting workshops will also take place in Airfield House, Dundrum, next Saturday from 10am to 1pm. For more details, see www.dlrcoco.ie/env, e-mail ecoweek@dlrcoco.ie or tel: 01-2054817.
Kerry spring school
The annual Spring School run by the Killarney National Park Education Centre offers nature enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about the geography of Co Kerry. Running from April 22nd to 24th in Knockreer House, Killarney, the programme includes a dawn chorus walk, a boat trip, walks along Muckross Peninsula and talks on the Natterjack toad, Irish bats and the geology of the Killarney Valley. Cost €140 (not including accommodation). Booking on tel: 064 35960 or e-mail knpeducationcentre@eircom.net. The Killarney National Park Education Centre also runs primary school nature days, ecology days for secondary school students, a transition year programme and guided walks for adult groups.
Georgian Dublin lecture
Architectural historian Dr Edward McParland will speak about Dublin's architectural heritage in a lecture to the Irish Georgian Society on Friday at 7pm in the Irish Architectural Archive, 45 Merrion Square, Dublin. Admission €10. To book, e-mail emmeline.henderson@igs.ie
Bog centre re-opens
The Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare re-opens for school visits and special interest groups this weekend. The centre is hosting a spring-cleaning next Saturday and volunteers are welcome. Composting experts will demonstrate how to make compost from garden and kitchen waste on Saturday, April 19th. Full details of all events on tel: 045-860133. See also www.ipcc.ie.