DEIRDRE DE BURCA BACKGROUND AND CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

Deirdre has worked as a Rehabilitation Team member in Rehab's vocational training centres for people with disabilities. More recently she has established the Camus community-based rehabilitation programme for young people who have experienced serious mental health difficulties and has also been involved in helping to set up Minds Matter, one of Ireland's first patient-led groups which aims to lobby for reforms in the mental health services. She is also a former chairperson of the Mental Health Project Group of the European Platform for Vocational Rehabilitation.

Deirdre has been a member of the Green Party for over 10 years. She was elected to Wicklow County Council on her first attempt in 1999 representing the Bray Electoral Area. Since then she has been a very active member of the council and has taken a particular interest in the issues of Planning and Waste Management.

She is a member of a wide range of interest groups including An Taisce, the Wicklow Environmental Interest Group, the Wicklow Planning Alliance, the Foundation for Sustainable Economics (Feasta), Sustainable Communities Ireland and the Peace and Neutrality Alliance. Her personal interests include swimming, walking, meditation, reading and cinema.

Deirdre and the Wicklow Greens are campaigning on a broad-based platform which emphasises the following policy areas:

-proper planning and development in County Wicklow and the full enforcement of the Strategic Planning Guidelines
-more open, responsive and accountable local government
-full community involvement in local decision-making
-protection of the natural environment with an emphasis on clean water, clean air and clean food
-the implementation of effective Waste Management strategies based on reduction, re-use and recycling
-the provision of affordable housing for local people
-the introduction of affordable and high-quality childcare services
-the closure of Sellafield

Deirdre and her supporters will be campaigning throughout the Wicklow/East Carlow constituency during this election campaign. From their experience on the doorsteps they anticipate a dramatic increase in the Green party vote in this election and believe that they have a realistic chance at a seat.

Further detailed information on Deirdre and the policies of the Wicklow Greens are available on the Wicklow Green's website at www.wicklowgreens.org

For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org.