Councillor Claire Wheeler was born in Dublin and spent her childhood years in Clonskeagh. Her education began in Sandford National School, Ranelagh and then Alexandra College.

It was in Alexandra College that her first interest in environmentalism was developed through debating sustainable energy issues and the like. Also, her interest in science began and consequently she studied Engineering Science in TCD, where she received an honours degree.

Her career path then took her to work as an electronics engineer in London, Limerick and Dublin. Whilst in London she was influenced by her flatmates who were politically active.

This and other factors such as the outbreak of the Gulf War and the resultant highlighting of human rights issues and her growing interest in energy conservation and pollution prevention led to her joining the Green Party in 1989.

Claire also cites Jonathan Porritt of 'Friends of the Earth' as having been a huge influence. On what prompted her to join the Green Party and consequently become a politician she said that: 'I never would have thought of myself as a career politician, but looking around at others I could see that I could be as good as, if not better than, many others.'

In 1991 she was elected to Dublin City Council but lost her seat in 1999 when Pembroke was reduced to a three-seater. However, she was co-opted back onto the Council by the Green Party to replace Ciaran Cuffe TD.

Claire's contributions to the policies of the Dublin City Council include highlighting Dublin's problems with leaky pipes several years ago which meant that some 40-50% of treated water was being lost. A grant-aided programme for fixing the pipes ensued.

Together with Catherine Cavendish of Sandymount and Merrion Residents' Association and Maurice Brian of Bird Watch, she initiated the inclusion of a clause in the 1999 Management Plan for Dublin Bay.

Some of her prime concerns include the maintenance of natural space and amenities especially because of their recreational and stress-reducing value. Sandymount Strand and the Dodder Linear Park are two such areas that need protection and some improvements made.

People choose to live in the Dublin 4 area based on factors including good recreational facilities and natural space. She believes the South Bank Plan's outline hints at a high-rise on the Poolbeg Peninsula- intensified development of such an area would encroach on this space.

Facilities for children also need to be addressed, she feels, as crime and delinquency could be decreased through proper recreational and sports facilities, such as skateboard parks, where youths can congregate safely. Cyclist and pedestrian facilities are matters she feels need to be further dealt with.

I asked what her feelings on incineration were as it is such a huge issue at the moment. She is anti-incinerator but she can see the argument for incineration, coming from a scientific background.

Her preference is for the Government to do more for reducing and reusing and she sees other areas in Europe as good role models of this. The city manager has been asked to investigate the possibility of acquiring the former Irish Glass Bottle plant for either glass recycling or processing.

Claire also feels that a lot more needs to be done to highlight energy conservation and finding alternative means of producing energy.

Claire can be contacted at 27 Oaklands Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Phone: 6608582 or 086-3831335 E-mail: cllr_claire.wheeler@dublincity.ie

Claire Wheeler, below and main picture with her children by the Dodder.