Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 226: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19583/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

ENFO provided an excellent service to the public in its 20 years of operation, contributing significantly to environmental education and raising levels of environmental awareness. However, in light of the expansion in information technology and web based sources of information over recent years, and the growing public interest in environmental issues throughout the country, the ENFO service has been reformed and enhanced, in scope and in delivery, to meet modern needs.

The ENFO library stock was assessed by the Library Council with a view to the selection of items for transfer to Dublin City Public Libraries. Selection was based on the currency, condition and on-line availability of the publications held by the ENFO library. A coherent collection was maintained and duplication of stock already held by Dublin City Public Libraries was avoided. Some 3,000 titles were selected on this basis and are available for loan through the Dublin City Public Libraries service and via the national www.borrowbooks.ie inter-library loan scheme, operated by the public library network nationally.

Environmental Impact Statements previously held in the ENFO library are available to view and download via the new ENFO website www.enfo.ie while the popular ENFO service to school children continues to be delivered through a range of on-line educational resource material including interactive games, lessons, posters, information leaflets, exhibitions and materials suitable for teachers. The Learning Zone for Kids has been developed in co-operation with the NCCA and the Primary Professional Development Service. The on-line service continues to be complemented by the wealth of resource material made available by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Heritage Council, as well as a number of Environmental NGOs.