July 9th, 2018 The Tánaiste has been urged to use new State powers to revoke An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant planning permission for an incinerator in Cork Harbour once new planning laws enter into force. The Dáil voted in favour of legislation last Thursday …
New EU waste laws calls for stricter recycling targets
July 9th, 2018 New legislation on waste has been adopted by EU leaders calling for stricter recycling targets. After seven months of negotiations, the EU last week officially approved new laws to fight waste and increase recycling levels in all member state. The new law …
Firefighters work tirelessly to tackle large fire in Slieve Bloom Mountains
June 9th, 2018 A large forest fire on the Slieve Bloom Mountains continued to rage over the weekend as firefighters work for the sixth consecutive day to contain the blaze. The Offaly and Laois Fire Services have worked tirelessly together with Coillte since last Wednesday …
Can mushrooms help provide safe clean toilets for refugee camps?
July 6th, 2018 A group of students from the University of British Columbia are using mushrooms to provide safe and clean toilets for people in refugee camps. The MYCOmmunity Toilet, which recently won the 2018 BioDesign Challenge summit in June, is a portable toilet kit …
Our nationwide biodiversity blanket: The hedgerow and its role on the farm
July 5th, 2018 The controversial Heritage Bill has passed through the final stage of the Dáil last night. The Bill, which must first return to the Seanad and be signed by the President before it can become law, seeks to introduce a nationwide pilot measure …
Opinion: Heritage Bill vote a dark day for our wildlife, biodiversity, and heritage
July 5th, 2018 There is no need to beat around the bush on this one. Last night’s passage of the Heritage Bill through the Dail marks a dark day for our wildlife, our biodiversity, and our heritage. The Bill, introduced by the former Minister for …
New study points to ‘significant’ link between air pollution and diabetes
June 4th, 2018 New US research has found a “significant link” between air pollution and diabetes globally, even at levels deemed safe by authorities. Diabetes affects over 420 million people according to the WHO. The principal causes are an unhealthy diet, a lack of activity …
Heritage Bill continues to divide opinion as it returns to Dáil floor this week
July 4th, 2018 Key elements of the controversial Heritage Bill continue to divide opinion as it returns to the Dáil for debate this week. The Bill, now entering reporting stage, outlines plans to allow for scrub burning in March and hedge cutting in August. It …
Seattle imposes citywide ban on plastic straws and cutlery
July 4th, 2018 Seattle has become the first US city to impose a citywide ban on plastic straws and cutlery. The ban, which affects all 5,000 eateries and bars across the Emerald City, went to effect on July 1. Businesses caught using the contraband items …
New project aims to boost Irish network of water refilling stations
July 4th, 2018 Water is the source of life and with the current weather conditions in Ireland, it is vital to stay hydrated. In order to so, an adult has to consume up to eight glasses of water daily. However, as innocent as water consumption …