Minister to attend Environment Summit

30 January 2008

Environment Minister Senator Freddie Cohen is to attend the 8th meeting of the British Irish Council’s Environment Group in Northern Ireland on Friday 1^st February. Senator Cohen will meet with Ministers from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Guernsey and the Isle of Man including Arlene Foster of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Joan Ruddock MP.

Issues for discussion will include an update on the work of the UK Climate Impacts Programme, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, marine litter and the use of plant feedstocks in producing renewable heat and power.

Senator Freddie Cohen said “Islanders are demanding that our environmental obligations are delivered, and responding to climate changes is a key issue. This meeting will provide us with an invaluable opportunity to exchange information and learn about the UK ’s next generation of climate change projections. This information is vital to helping us assess the impact of climate change and to ensuring we can respond to the challenges ahead”.

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Notes to Editors

1. The British-Irish Council (BIC) members include the British and Irish Governments, the devolved administrations of Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales , and Jersey , Guernsey and the Isle of Man.  BIC acts as a forum for Members to consult and exchange information with a view to co-operating on issues of mutual interest. Environment is one of nine sectors of work in which BIC Member are engaged.