The programme has been announced for the annual Environment Ireland conference, which is taking place this year in Croke Park, Dublin on Thursday 11 September with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The conference, which is now in its tenth year, is Ireland’s major annual environmental policy conference and is attended each year by delegates representing the main sectors with an interest in Ireland’s environment. [caption id="attachment_16097" align="alignright" width="640"]Mark H Durkan, MLA, Minister for the Environment, Northern Ireland & Phil Hogan, TD , Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government The two Environment Ministers at last year’s conference, Mark H Durkan, MLA and Phil Hogan, TD[/caption] As in previous years, Environment Ireland features a high-level programme of local and visiting speakers. The conference will be opened by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Alan Kelly TD, who will be joined in the opening session by Marianne Wenning from DG Environment at the European Commission and the director-general of the Environmental Protection Agency, Laura Burke. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Steps Towards a Sustainable Future’. There will be a strong focus on the positive contribution that the environment sector can make to economic growth, with major companies such as Shell and Bord na Móna taking part. Other key issues addressed during the programme will include waste management and resource efficiency, environmental policy, and water resources and infrastructure. In light of the severe flooding suffered by many communities over the course of last winter, the session exploring climate adaptation and flood risk management will be of particular interest to many. [caption id="attachment_16098" align="alignright" width="800"]Geological Survey Stand Delegates perusing the exhibition stands at the event[/caption] Environment Ireland provides an important opportunity for all the key players in the environment sector, north and south, to come together for networking and discussion. Alongside the plenary and workshop sessions, the conference features a lively exhibition area where companies and organisations can showcase their products and services to the key audience attending the conference each year. The full programme for Environment Ireland 2014 is available online at www.environmentireland.ie.