The LP is focused on bringing together as much as is possible of current and on-going research, information, news and debate on how the human race 'can meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' (Brutland Report 1992).

The first edition of The Local Planet newspaper was printed by The Mildland Tribune on December 1st 2004. The second edition was published in April 2005: the third issue was published in October 2005 and the fourth on February 10th 2006. This tabloid format newspaper is available from newsagents all over Ireland - North and South. It is also sold through many health food shops and organic stores. In addition, the LP is also available on a subscription basis. See 'Ordering your copy' link (on the right side of your screen) for details.

Each of the first six editions were produced in tabloid format and contained approx 56 pages, about half of which were printed in full colour. Issue 7 was published in an unusual landscape format. And since then, the publication is produced to a higher quality in a more conventional magazine format, and is referred to as a 'journal'.

The response from readers has been excellent: so much so, that the publishers, Brendan & Gina Dooley, were looking at extending 'retail distribution' outside the island of Ireland. However, for various reasons, they have decided to introduce a digital version or the Local Planet (from issue 10 onwards), rather than dispatch bulk hard copies of the journal . However those who would like to receive the physical product can subscribe as before and receive the journal through the post.

Brendan & Gina Dooley are proprietors of a family business, which trades as The Print Factory. They do all kinds of lithographic and digital printing for customers throughout Ireland (and some in the UK), but particularly in midland counties. They also publish the bi-monthly Irish Timber & Forestry magazine - as well as the occasional 'Farm Forest' in conjunction with Teagasc. During Summer 2007 they launched the first Midland Sport & Leisure guide - a magazine about sport and leisure in the heart of Ireland.

Brendan & Gina would like to thank all who have given so generously of their time and knowledge to help make this publication a reality.

• Natalie Descheres
• Trevor Sargent, T.D.
• Patricia Flanagan
• Conor O'Donoghue
• Donal O'Leary
• Ted Cook
• Paul Murray
• Terry O'Regan
• Maurizio Davolia
• John Fitzgerald
• Nora Hennessy
• Dr Alan Matthews
• Henry O'D. Thompson
• Peter Schneider
• Stephen Meyen
• Steve O'Hara-Smith
• Richard Douthwaite
• Eddie Brennan
• Dr Eugene Hendrick
• Dr Kieran R. Hickey
• John Jopling
• Brian Tobin
• Maarten Nieuwenhuis
• Ben Whelan
• Mark Reid
• Carmel Mulcahy
• Sarah Caridia
• Jackie Gorman
• Helen Johnston
• Urs Tobler
• Pauline Howard
• Fergal Quinn
• Peter Cowman
• ISSA (Irish Seed Savers Association)
• Elaine Keegan
• John Feehan
• Ellen Cox
• J.J. Bunyan
• Donough Cahill
• Judith Hoad
• Dermot Deering
• Gillies McBain
• Cora Feehily
• Graham Strouts
• The Village Committee
• and Rob Hopkins