September 6th, 2017 The diverse and wide-ranging impacts of climate change on Ireland’s environment, society, economic and natural resources are “locked-in” for decades to come, according to the 2017 National Risk Assessment (NRA). The annual assessment conducted by the Department of the Taoiseach seeks to …
Farmers’ livelihoods at risk by State’s climate change adaptation plans
Farmers’ livelihoods are at risk by inadequate State planning for climate change. This is the view of the Green Party’s agriculture spokesperson, Pippa Hackett, who, speaking after the launch of a new Government report on creating a climate resilient agriculture and forestry sector, said the …
Government launch new public consultation on long-awaited renewable support scheme
September 5th, 2017 Community involvement is set to be at the center of the Government’s long-awaited revamped support scheme for renewable energy, although micro-generation will not be subsidised. Community participation, however, will be “designed into its very fabric” of the new scheme according to the …
Young Fine Gael call for levy on bottles and cans in Budget 2018
September 4th, 2017 Young Fine Gael (YFG) has joined calls for the introduction of a refundable levy on bottles and cans despite hesitation from the Fine Gael-led Government. The proposal is one of 57 across eight areas, including housing, health, and education, in YFG’s pre-budget …
Raising a stink: Sandycove harbour latest to record presence of E. Coli
September 1st, 2017 Swimmers have been warned not to enter waters at Sandycove Harbour due to the presence of high levels of E.coli in the water. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is investigating the matter, and has issued a temporary ‘Do Not Swim’ notice at the …
Greenpeace join protest against illegal logging in Poland’s ancient forest
September 1st, 2017 Greenpeace campaigners from across Europe have joined protests against illegal logging in Poland’s protected Białowieża Forest in violation of a European Court of Justice (ECJ) interim ban. Activists from 12 European countries arrived in the forest in late August to support Greenpeace …
EPA chief appointed chair of European Environment Agency management board
September 1st, 2017 The head of Ireland’s environmental watchdog is set to take up a new role as chair of the management board of the European Environment Agency (EEA). Laura Burke will replace the outgoing Austrian chair, Elisabeth Freytag-Rigler. She will retain her position as …
Friends of the Earth urge Taoiseach to support solar
September 1, 2017 One of Ireland’s leading environmental NGOs has called on the Taoiseach to follow through on his pledge to support the establishment of rooftop solar on residential properties across Ireland. According to Friends of the Earth (FoE) Ireland, Leo Varadkar was one of …
Three key ways to have a greener festival experience
August 31st, 2017 With Electric Picnic upon us, we consider the actions that festival-goers can take to have a greener festival experience. The summer festival season ushers in a time of quality music, good food and a host of fun activities at events around the …
Ireland’s longest running sustainable living festival kicks off at Electric Picnic
August 31st, 2017 As the Irish Government struggles to meet its climate targets, Convergence 2017, a festival celebrating and encouraging community-led sustainability and well-being initiatives across Ireland, is more important than ever. Now in its seventeenth year, Convergence, kicking off this weekend at the Electric …
Marine Institute announces new shellfish safety monitoring website
August 31, 2017 The Marine Institute has launched a new user-friendly safety reporting website to provide the most up-to-date information available on shellfish and finfish production areas. The new website will provide information to regulatory authorities, producers, processors, hospitality industry, public health officials, and the general …
Inland Fisheries Ireland makes €2m funding call for angling and conservation projects
August 31, 2017 Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced a new €2m funding call for angling projects and conservation initiatives. Applications are invited from groups, associations, clubs, local authorities, or other appropriate bodies looking to improve Ireland’s fisheries resource. IFI have launched a new web-based …