ACCESS TO JUSTICE A CRUCIAL PILLAR OF EUROPEAN LAWCuffe says An Taisce plays a vital role in protecting Irish EnvironmentGreen MEP for Dublin expresses concern at calls for An Taisce not to appeal Glanbia / Royal A-WareHigh Court Judgement to Court of Appeal Ciarán Cuffe MEP for Dublin said: “Environmental assessment in planning matters is a fundamental pillar of both EU and Irish environmental law. These laws are designed to protect our environment. It is entirely appropriate to appeal such matters of public importance and in the public interest. “Under the United Nations Aarhus Convention, to which Ireland is a signatory, everyone has the right to receive environmental information and participate in environmental decision-making. They also have the right to review procedures and to challenge public decisions that have been made. This includes Environmental NGOs, like An Taisce, promoting environmental protection, whom are granted extensive participatory rights under Aarhus.The Aarhus Convention has been enshrined in European Union Law. It would be unwise to seek to undermine efforts to vindicate Aarhus rights. Access to justice is a fundamental right and should not be deterred or impeded by political pressure. It will serve the integrity of the Irish judicial system and our environment well that organisations and individuals are allowed have their day in court. A decade ago, An Taisce worked hard to limit the excesses of inappropriate Celtic Tiger development that contributed to the economic crash. They should not be deterred from appealing valuable issue of environmental law that goes to the heart of our efforts to tackle climate change.“Access to justice should not be deterred by political pressure. The right to appeal by organisations and individuals serves the integrity of the Irish judicial system. Ireland and the EU have very challenging targets to reach in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises that we face. However, we must reach these targets to address the climate and biodiversity crises. No one sector is entitled to a free ride. Placing undue pressure on an organisation that acts in the public interest is entirely inappropriate.”ENDS