By An Taisce CEO, Gary Freemantle

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting with pride, gratitude on the year just passed at An Taisce. The year was defined by progress, vigilance, and renewed national attention to Ireland’s environment and heritage. Never has our role as guardians of its natural and built heritage felt more urgent or more visible.

One of the key moments of the year was the visit of President Catherine Connolly to An Taisce. Her visit and remarks shone a national spotlight on the importance of caring for our landscapes, waterways, towns, and historic places, and affirmed the vital role An Taisce plays in advocating for sustainable land use, climate responsibility, and environmental justice. It was both an honour and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with such recognition.

Throughout the year, our work—across advocacy, education, conservation, planning, and community engagement—reached wider audiences than ever before. Growing digital engagement reflects increasing public awareness of environmental and heritage protection and the trust placed in An Taisce as a respected national voice.I was particularly inspired by the collaboration across our programmes and the impact of our work in communities nationwide. This was showcased at events such as the Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards, the Green Flag Awards for Parks, and the Climate Ambassador Awards-celebrations of what can be achieved when people work together with purpose.

A defining milestone of 2025 was our Water Quality case, one of the most closely followed environmental actions of the year. It reinforced the importance of evidence-based policy, transparent decision-making, and long-term thinking for both rural communities and ecosystems. 

Other highlights included the national reach of our education programmes, our relationship with the 1772 Foundation and the development of Friends of An Taisce USA, and the significant expansion of our land stewardship with the addition of Nature Trust, bringing approximately 650 hectares of forest land into our care (banner image courtesy of Nature Trust). None of this would be possible without the extraordinary commitment of our staff, volunteers, members, and Local Associations, whose dedication, expertise, and local insight remain at the heart of everything we do.

Looking ahead to 2026, we face a pivotal period. We will set a clear and ambitious direction for the next five years. We will advance nature-based solutions through forestry and landscape-scale restoration, strengthening our impact, reach, and effectiveness.

The Presidential visit reminded us of the esteem in which our work is held.The nitrates case reminded us why our work matters.
Our education work reminds us of our responsibility to future generations.

And the year ahead reminds us that the future of Ireland’s heritage depends on what we choose to do next—together.

Thank you to everyone who supported, challenged, and stood with An Taisce in 2025. I look forward with confidence and determination to what we can achieve in 2026.