"You might be looking for information about a development activity in your area, or trying to participate in a planning decision-making process, or simply trying to find out if the river you swim in every summer is polluted. The great news is that your right to access relevant information and to participate is now upheld in law."

Public participation helps make decision-makers more accountable and environmental decision-making more transparent. In the past, it has often been denied or avoided in the interest of economic, political and sometimes social policies.

"Becoming a party to the Convention is a very important step in removing that veil of secrecy," said Mr Ewing.

The convention is formally known as the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention in 1998 but had not ratified it till June 20 this year.

"I congratulate the government for taking the necessary steps for Ireland to ratify the Convention," said Mr Ewing. He also stressed the importance of raising public awareness and training staff in public authorities, for the Convention to be effectively implemented.

About the Environmental Pillar
The Environmental Pillar was included as the fifth pillar of Ireland's Social Partnership in April 2009, and is made up of 27 national environmental NGOs, acting together as one social partner alongside the Trade Unions, the Employers, the Farmers and the Community and Voluntary Pillars. Although the national arrangements for Social Partnership are not functioning at present, the Environmental Pillar is working through Social Dialogue with the other social partners and government at the national and local levels to:—promote the protection and enhancement of the environment, together with;—the creation of a viable economy and a just society; without compromising the viability of the planet on which we live for current and future generations of all species and ecosystems. Our basic premise is that: The continuing success of human society and social systems depends fundamentally on the preservation of the overall productivity, health, and long term sustainability of the ecosystems and environmental services that underpin and supply many of the most basic components of human welfare such as a healthy biodiversity, productive soils, clean water, and clean air.

Member Organisations of the Environmental Pillar 
An Taisce, Bat Conservation Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland, CELT (Centre for Environmental Living and Training), CoastWatch, Coomhola Salmon Trust, Crann, ECO-UNESCO, FEASTA, Forest Friends, Friends of the Earth, Global Action Plan (GAP Ireland), Gluaiseacht, Irish Doctors' Environmental Association (IDEA), Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT), , Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, Irish Natural Forestry Foundation (INFF), Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Irish Seal Sanctuary, Irish Seed Savers Association, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Sonairte, Sustainable Ireland Cooperative (Cultivate), The Organic Centre, VOICE, Zero Waste Alliance.