Irish leaders have been slammed for their plans to only attend the last few days of the upcoming climate conference in Copenhagen -- in spite of the devastating floods that have recently swept the country.

Minister for the Environment John Gormley will only attend the final few days of the crucial conference and a spokesperson said yesterday that the details of his trip have not been finalised, nor has the amount of representatives the department will be sending.

revealed

"One or two officials are going, but it hasn't been decided. Minister for the Environment John Gormley will be attending the later days of the conference," he said.

The conference will begin on Monday, December 7 and leaders from around the world will be in attendance.

However, Government officials have revealed that our delegation will not be attending the event until December 14 at the earliest.

The conference, dubbed 'Hopenhagen', will run from December 7 to 18 and it is expected that at least 100 heads of state will be in attendance.

However, in addition to the Minister for Environment's minimal presence, dates for Taoiseach Brian Cowen have not been finalised either.

A spokesperson for the Department of the Taoiseach said: "The Taoiseach intends on attending but travel details are being finalised."

A representative from one of the worst affected areas in the country has criticised the Government for its failure to attend the entire conference.

She added that Government leaders need to "get their act together" and attending the environmental forum should be one of their main priorities.

Gabrielle McFadden of the Athlone Town Council said: "Considering the state we're in and our lack of experience, you would assume they'd be ready to go.

"Given the circumstances we're in, they should be saying, 'Yes you certainly are going', nothing should have to be finalised.

"We need to know how to better prepare for such a situation, or even just learning about this is so important.

"They really should get their act together.

"Someone needs to take control -- people need leadership.

"They will go for the photocall -- it was the same when they came to Athlone.

"They will have their photo taken on the steps of some building and that will be it."

Ms McFadden went on to say how "horrendous" the situation in the town has been since floods began pouring in.

"It has been horrendous. You couldn't imagine the hardship. When you actually get your hands dirty, and see the misery of some people, it's unbearable."

Throughout the country, hundreds of people have been left devastated after torrential floods tore through their homes, and the majority of Irish people are eager to prevent such a disaster from occurring again.

reducing

It is hoped that the conference, organised by the United Nations, will determine a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol and world leaders will work together to come up with a realistic scheme for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

US President Barack Obama raised hopes that the conference will come to an appropriate end goal, when he confirmed he will be attending.

cmcbride@herald.ie

- Caitlyn McBride