EHS mountain challenge in support of Water Aid

A team of EHS staff will be climbing the highest peaks in Ireland for charity this weekend.

Environment Minister Arlene Foster wished the Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) staff well in the fund raising endeavour.

The Minister said: “A child dies every 15 seconds from drinking unsafe water according to Water Aid research this year. I heartily applaud the initiative of my staff from the Water Management unit of EHS to help thos ewho cannot help themselves.”

The EHS climbers will be accompanied by colleagues from Britain and the Republic of Ireland who are attempting the “Irish 4 Peaks Challenge” to raise money for Water Aid, a charity which aims to bring low cost clean water and sanitation to developing countries.

The Minister added: “ I do not envy them their challenge to climb the highest peak in each of the four Irish provinces over four days at the end of this month. But like everyone, I admire them for their strength, stamina and generosity.”

The event is supported by Dawson Stelfox MBE, the first person from Ireland to climb Mount Everest, who added. “Climbing mountains stretches both the body and mind, and is a powerful reminder of the lushness and vibrancy of the Irish hills. The Water Unit team’s support of Water Aid is an entirely appropriate way of sharing the benefits with those who do not enjoy the clean water that we take so much for granted”

Notes to Editors:

1. The "Irish 4 Peaks Challenge" is from Friday 25 May To Monday 28 May 2007 finishing on Bank Holiday Monday at Donard Park with a well deserved BBQ.

2. EHS Participants:

Four peaks : Dave Foster (Head of EHS Water Management Unit – event organiser); Hugh Edwards, Mark Livingstone, Peter McConvey ,Gerard O’Neill, Ray Thomas, Trevor McQuoid. Gareth Bowden, Ben McCombe, Nichola Connery, Richard Coey, Jo Campbell, Henk Van Rein, Gareth Grindle, Susanna Allen, Colin Gibney Martin Keenan, Pat Corker, John Early.

Three peaks or less: Chris Burns, Alison Murdock, Peter Close, Jake Gibson, Gabriel Nelson, Kieran McCavana, Timothy Rennie, George Harper, Steve Aston, Claire Vincent, Lynn McIlroy and Caroline Jackson.

3. Donations can be made to the EHS team by telephoning 028 92676054 or online on the Water Aid Just Giving website.

4. Further deails can be found on the Water Aid website

5. Further News Media enquiries tel. DOE Press Office 9054 0003