Purpose Environmentalism Location Dublin | Headquarters Tailors' Hall | |
Motto Working for a Better Quality of Life for Now and Future Generations Formation June 28, 1948; 68 years ago (1948-06-28) Type Non-governmental organization | ||
An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland ([an̪ˠ ˈt̪ˠaʃcə], meaning "the store" or "the treasury")', was established in June 1948. It considers itself the oldest environmental and non-governmental organisation in Ireland. It has a wide-ranging public interest mandate in relation to the environmental. Naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger was its first President.
Contents
It is not a state or semi-state organisation, rather a membership-based charity. However, it receives government funding for specific programmes, such as Blue Flag beaches, Green Schools and the annual National Spring Clean.
Brief
The Planning Acts provide for An Taisce and about 20 other prescribed bodies to be informed of all planning applications in areas of scenic beauty or high amenity significance; where architectural, archaeological or environmental issues need to be considered. Local authorities are required, in certain defined circumstances under the Planning & Development Regulations, to consult An Taisce on development proposals. Therefore its range of expertise extends across Ireland's natural, built, and social heritage. It seeks to educate, inform, and lead public opinion on the environment; to advocate and influence policy; and manage heritage properties.
Operations
The organisation is split into three operational divisions:
Structure
The organisation comprises over 5,000 members; annual individual membership is €45. They are organised into 15 local organisations and these report to a 50-person Ruling Council. The Council elects a board of management and other internal policy and operational committees.