PRESS RELEASE: Dark Sky Ireland to Implement Strategic Plan following 2023 Heritage Council funding.
New activities and events to be part of roll-out of Dark Sky Ireland Strategic Plan
30th June 2023: Dark Sky Ireland has announced that it will be commencing the roll out of key elements of its Strategic Plan following a successful application for funding to the Heritage Council, under the Heritage Capacity 2023 programme. Working with its partners, Leave No Trace Ireland, Dark Sky Ireland will now implement a range of educational activities and events designed to engage its wider network and highlight the growing issue of light pollution.
Upcoming Dark Sky Ireland developments will include a networking event with key stakeholders to launch their Strategic Plan, followed by the production of new digital media information pieces, outreach materials and an education programme for Leave No Trace Ireland trainers.
Dark Sky Ireland will also be hosting several events marking Heritage Week including a Night-Time Bat Conservation walk with committee member, Dr. Kate McAney and an event hosted by Board member Niall Smith of the Blackrock Castle Observatory. Details of both events will be announced on Dark Sky Ireland’s social media channels and website in the coming weeks.
Prof. Brian Epsey, Chairman of the Dark Sky Ireland Committee and an Associate Professor of Astrophysics in Trinity College Dublin said:
“Previous Heritage Council funding in 2022 allowed Dark Sky Ireland to develop our mission driven Strategic Plan and we now look forward to progressing the implementation of that Plan in partnership with Leave No Trace Ireland. Thanks to further Heritage Council support this year we will be able to roll out an exciting programme of initiatives and events supporting Dark Sky Ireland’s goal of protecting and restoring Ireland’s dark skies whilst raising awareness of light pollution as an important cultural and environmental issue.”
Welcoming the Heritage Council Capacity funding, Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland said the organisation is looking forward to working with Dark Sky Ireland with whom they share many common objectives.
“Both Dark Sky Ireland and Leave No Trace Ireland care deeply about the conservation of nature and the impact of human activity in the outdoors. Working together allows us the opportunity through education and leadership to create collaborative projects to show how people can enjoy and respect the beauty of the outdoors at night.”
For further information on Dark Sky Ireland events, visit: https://www.darksky.ie/events/
Media Contact: Grace Fox, Communication Officer, Leave No Trace Ireland ([email protected])
Notes to Editors:
Dark Sky Ireland vision is to ensure Ireland’s nightscapes are celebrated, restored and protected for present and future generations of all living things. It aims to do this by empowering custodians and ambassadors to recognise and protect Ireland’s night sky as a natural habitat and a shared heritage.
Leave No Trace Ireland is Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors. Through education, research and partnerships, Leave No Trace Ireland enables and supports individuals, communities, organisations, and companies in reducing the environmental impact of outdoor activities.