Introductory Session - 07/11/06

Facilitator: Fiona McAuslan.

Duration: 2 hours.

Short Presentation by 'Dublin 15 Environment Group'

Short presentation by 'Up Roar'

Short presentation by 'Coastwatch'

Agenda: Introduction and names.

             Main hopes of the evening.

             Facilitated discussion on how the network may function: its aims, values and structures.

             Begin to map out aims for full days facilitation.

Aims: To start database of environmental groups in Fingal.

          Gauge interest in forming a Network.

          Start to explore possible mutual interests of such a network.

          Start to build process which will support and develop network ideas.

In attendance: Maria Andrews, Roderick O’Gorman, Eugene Moore, Maeve O’Reilly, Neil Dempsey, Fergus McDermott, Angela Lawton. (See contact sheet for details of groups.

Content and Discussion

This first meeting was an 'open discussion' which focused on the question of the need, purpose and possible effectiveness of such a network.

1.     The group discussed how to effectively expand the membership, drawing in relevant groups who would not dilute the focus of the network, and, to reach out to  other interested groups.

2.     There was some discussion on what actually constituted an environmental group. It was generally agreed that this network would target pro-active groups rather than ‘committee hoppers‘. There was a discussion on the name for the group. Environment is now associated with a particular image and it was agreed that this would merit a name change as a means of widening its appeal to the community in general.

Action: Eugene agreed to act as temporary co-ordinator. Members of the group will contact him with new names and details of groups. He will invite them to the next meeting.

 Maria and Mauve agreed to reissue invitations for next meeting (28/11/06 at 7:00pm), as well as arrange article in paper.

2) There was an open-ended discussion on the pros and cons of having such a network. A key concern was how to effect the decision making in the county. All groups expressed the frustration of the ’big money', which ’the other side’ tends to have when pushing forward ideas. Could an effective network pool its resources? Could such a network change the perception of environmental groups? Could it successfully get people onto key committees?

It was agreed it was necessary to have an network?

Action for Future Meetings: Identify practical and effective modus operandi for pooling information and resources.

3) This network will be made up of very different groups, some of them single-issue protest groups. There was concern expressed at the difficulties of pulling them all together under one ’plan’. As the meeting progressed the idea of having an overarching vision, with the groups working in different areas under this began to form (see appendix 1).

Action for Future Meetings: The facilitator will give some detailed thought to building on this idea, subject to the groups continued interest in it. A launch day may give a focus for such a vision.

Next Meeting: (Part 2 of the initial stage) - 7:00pm until 9:00pm 28/11/06

                            Appendix 1- Flip chart Bullet Points

                                        To be built on

Overarching Vision

- Common Interest.

- Environment equates to Health.

- Quality of Life.   

- Articulation of everyday issues for everyday life i.e. Commuting.

Structure and Practical Plans

- Network of communication and shared information.

- Influence and be aware of county planning issues.

- Advise and change council/government decisions.

- Common education and knowledge gathering for groups.

- Raise aware of each group's issues at a countywide level.

- Change perception on environmental groups.

- Effect Fingal Development Board.

- Put members onto key committees and boards.

Everyday Working of Network

- May be an affiliation of groups all working on own issues under broad principals.

- Good decision-making and communication between operating groups.

- Realistic goals for network.